A 42-year-old man was detained at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona on Friday, September 19. This location is set to host the memorial service for Charlie Kirk shortly.
The stadium, which is the home ground for the NFL team Arizona Cardinals, can accommodate 63,400 people and is organizing ‘Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk’ today, September 21. President Donald Trump is anticipated to attend and deliver a tribute to the right-wing activist who tragically lost his life on stage at Utah Valley University earlier this month.
In preparation for the event, Turning Point USA announced that Joshua Runkles was taken into custody at the venue for allegedly pretending to be a police officer.
Runkles was found in possession of a gun and a knife at the time of his arrest. Reports indicate that he claimed to be providing advance security for a known guest expected to attend the memorial.
Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet stated on Twitter, “We do not believe this person was attempting anything nefarious, however, the advance was not done in proper coordination with the TPUSA security team or US Secret Service.”
Kolvet added, “Also important to note that this was before the site had been fully sealed and locked down. Every precaution is being taken to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Runkles was allegedly carrying expired law enforcement credentials and informed Secret Service agents that he was at the stadium to provide private security, presenting them with his outdated police identification.
He was subsequently taken to Maricopa County Jail on charges of impersonating an officer and bringing weapons into a prohibited area.
A spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Public Safety said that Runkles was later released on an unspecified bond, and an investigation into his motive for being at the venue is ongoing.
The funeral for Kirk has been classified with a Level-1 ‘special event assessment rating’ by the US Department of Homeland Security.
An official told the New York Post, “This designation is reserved for events of the highest national significance and enables the federal government to provide the full range of law enforcement and security resources necessary to support local officials in ensuring a safe and successful event.”
Kirk, who was 31 years old, was discussing gun violence just moments before his tragic death.
In footage from Kirk’s final speaking engagement, the conservative commentator was asked: “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been shooters over the last 10 years?”
His response was ‘too many,’ which was met with applause from the audience.