A Moore County man who was “doing advance security” was arrested Friday after he entered State Farm Stadium in Arizona with weapons while claiming to be law enforcement ahead of Sunday’s memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Joshua Runkles, 42, of Cameron, was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and bringing a weapon into a restricted area, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Secret Service agents reported that Runkles drew attention for “suspicious behavior” at the stadium, which is set to host Kirk’s funeral.
When questioned, Runkles allegedly presented an identification card and badge from the Franklin County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office, documents state. Security personnel told him he could not enter with weapons unless cleared by Turning Point USA.
Agents later reportedly found him armed near the club-level elevators inside the stadium and took him into custody. Officials said Runkles was not affiliated with any law enforcement agency.
He was booked into the Maricopa County Jail and later released on bond, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Kirk was a co-founder of Turning Point USA. He was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet acknowledged the incident in a statement on social media platform X.
“I want to add a note of clarity here. This individual was doing advance security for a known guest planning to attend the memorial service tomorrow,” writes Kolvet. “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. 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.”
The memorial is expected to draw more than 100,000 attendees, including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and several administration officials. Kirk’s widow, Erika, who was recently named CEO of Turning Point USA, is also scheduled to speak.
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Photo of Joshua Runkles via Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
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