A man who was arrested at State Farm Stadium for allegedly impersonating a police officer and carrying weapons during the memorial service for Charlie Kirk did not pose a threat, as confirmed by the Conservative activist group, Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Joshua Runkles, the accused individual, was conducting a security sweep for a “known guest,” according to TPUSA.
Runkles, who was found with a gun and a knife at the Arizona memorial event, expected to draw a large crowd, including prominent right-wing figures and VIPs like President Donald Trump, was not believed to have malicious intentions, stated TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet.
The suspect, aged 42, was apprehended with expired law enforcement documents and fake credentials at the stadium, the home ground of the Arizona Cardinals NFL team. After claiming to be private security to Secret Service agents, he was arrested for impersonating law enforcement and carrying a weapon in a restricted area.
Following the arrest, Runkles was taken to Maricopa County Jail and later released on an unspecified bond. Investigations revealed that he holds a concealed carry permit in North Carolina and had previous experience as a deputy sheriff in Idaho.
While on bail, Runkles is prohibited from returning to the location of the incident, with his official residence listed in North Carolina. Kirk’s public memorial service, scheduled for later today at the stadium, has attracted significant attention, given its capacity and the high-profile attendees expected.
The event is set to operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with a strict no-bag policy enforced by TPUSA. Kirk was tragically shot and killed last week during a public speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, with a suspect, Tyler Robinson, now facing murder charges in connection with the incident.