Armed Impersonator Detained Ahead of Charlie Kirk Memorial, Security Heightened for 100,000 Attendees

Glendale, Arizona – An armed man was arrested and charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place at State Farm Stadium, the venue for the upcoming memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The incident occurred Friday, September 19, ahead of Sunday's anticipated event, which is expected to draw up to 100,000 attendees and numerous high-profile political figures.

Joshua Runkles, 42, was detained by Secret Service agents after exhibiting suspicious behavior. Authorities confirmed Runkles was armed with a gun and knives and presented "inactive law enforcement credentials," falsely claiming to be part of the security detail. He has since been released on bond, with an investigation into his intent ongoing.

Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the organization Kirk founded, clarified the situation, stating that Runkles was performing "advance security for a known guest." However, TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet emphasized that this was not properly coordinated with either the organization's security team or the U.S. Secret Service, adding, "We do not believe this person was attempting anything nefarious."

The heightened security measures for the memorial follow the assassination of Charlie Kirk, 31, on September 10, while he was speaking at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with Kirk's death, with prosecutors indicating they will seek the death penalty.

The memorial service has been designated a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 by the Department of Homeland Security, a classification reserved for events of national significance requiring extensive federal support, similar to the Super Bowl. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other cabinet members are slated to speak, alongside Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, who has assumed leadership of TPUSA. The event underscores the ongoing political tensions and security challenges facing the nation.