A man was apprehended at the venue of Charlie Kirk’s funeral, reportedly armed and posing as a police officer, but the Conservative activist’s organization stated that he was not a threat. Turning Point USA (TPUSA) clarified that the individual, Joshua Runkles, was conducting a security check for a specific guest at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona, where the memorial service was taking place.
Runkles was found carrying a gun and a knife at the site, expected to host a large gathering of over 100,000 attendees, including prominent conservative figures such as President Donald Trump. TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet emphasized that while they did not suspect malicious intent, the security sweep was not coordinated with TPUSA or the US Secret Service as it should have been.
The NGO did not disclose further details about whom Runkles was conducting the security check for. Upon his arrest, it was revealed that he possessed weapons and expired law enforcement credentials. He claimed to be working as private security when questioned by Secret Service agents, presenting fake police identification that led to his apprehension.
Subsequently, Runkles was taken into custody at Maricopa County Jail on charges of impersonating law enforcement and carrying weapons in a prohibited area. Although investigations are ongoing, he was released on an undisclosed bond by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. A federal source informed Fox News Digital that Runkles held a concealed carry permit in North Carolina and had prior experience as a deputy sheriff in Idaho.
While out on bail, Runkles was prohibited from returning to the stadium where the incident occurred, with his registered address listed in North Carolina. Charlie Kirk’s public memorial service is set to happen today at the stadium, which has a seating capacity of 63,000, expandable to accommodate over 73,000 people for larger events. Additionally, the nearby Desert Diamond Arena will be available for overflow, capable of hosting an extra 19,000 individuals.
Attendees will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the stadium’s capacity, with a strict no-bag policy in effect. Kirk tragically lost his life last week when he was shot while addressing a group of students at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old, has been charged with his murder.