Authorities have identified the man arrested at Charlie Kirk’s memorial site in Arizona as 42-year-old Joshua Runkles.
He was found carrying two guns and several knives when detained at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Friday.
The Arrest
At 12:15 p.m., an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer stopped Runkles outside the stadium.
Runkles claimed he was part of a Turning Point USA security detail.
He presented a badge from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and an Idaho law enforcement ID.
Joshua Runkles
Officials later confirmed both were inactive and invalid.
Runkles admitted he was armed and was turned away at the gate.
At around 2:00 p.m., he was spotted inside the stadium grounds.
He was arrested carrying a loaded pistol, a revolver, and multiple knives.
Charges Filed
Runkles has been charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer.
He is also charged with carrying weapons into a prohibited place.
Police confirmed he no longer works for Franklin County law enforcement.
He was released on bond Saturday morning at about 10:00 a.m.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
Officials said they are still investigating how he gained access.
The case is unfolding as security threats remain under review.
TPUSA Response
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said Runkles was misunderstood.
Kolvet claimed Runkles was “advance security for a known guest.”
Andrew Kolvet
He insisted the group does not believe Runkles had “nefarious” intentions.
Kolvet described Runkles as connected to event planning.
Nonetheless, TPUSA acknowledged he was not authorized law enforcement.
The group said it is cooperating with authorities handling the case.
Kolvet urged the public not to assume malicious intent.
Memorial Security
The Department of Homeland Security designated Kirk’s service a Level 1 event.
That status is usually reserved for high-profile gatherings like the Super Bowl.
Local and federal law enforcement are providing extensive security.
Every attendee will undergo metal detector screenings and possible pat-downs.
Prohibited items include weapons, alcohol, fireworks, drones, and obscene clothing.
Bomb squads, tactical units, and reinforcements will be on standby.
Glendale’s police chief said “every available resource” is being deployed.
The Memorial
Kirk’s service, “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk,” begins Sunday at 11 a.m. local time.
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance will deliver remarks.
Other speakers include Erika Kirk, Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard, and Donald Trump Jr.
Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, and Brandon Lake will perform.
The stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, seats more than 63,000.
Kirk will be laid to rest in Phoenix alongside his widow and children.
