A Moore County man was arrested Friday after entering Arizona’s State Farm Stadium armed and claiming to be law enforcement during preparations for conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s memorial service.
Joshua Runkles, 42, of Cameron, faces charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer and bringing a weapon into a restricted area, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Secret Service agents noticed Runkles for “suspicious behavior” at the stadium, which was preparing to host Kirk’s funeral. When questioned, Runkles presented an ID and badge from the Franklin County, Idaho Sheriff’s Office. Security informed him that weapons were not allowed unless cleared by Turning Point USA.
Agents later found Runkles armed near club-level elevators and took him into custody. Officials confirmed he was not affiliated with any law enforcement agency.
Runkles was booked into Maricopa County Jail and later released on bond.
Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet stated that Runkles was providing “advance security” for a guest attending the memorial but did so without proper coordination with TPUSA or the Secret Service. Kolvet emphasized that the incident occurred before the venue was fully secured and assured that all safety precautions are being taken.
The memorial for Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA who was fatally shot on Sept. 10, is expected to draw over 100,000 attendees, including former President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other officials. Kirk’s widow, Erika, recently named CEO of Turning Point USA, is also scheduled to speak.
