Armed man arrested at site of Charlie Kirk funeral was conducting security sweep: TPUSA Anna YoungSeptember 21, 2025 at 9:39 AM 0 The armed man accused of bringing a gun and a knife into the Arizona stadium where conservative activist Charlie Kirk's funeral will be held posed no threat and was merel...
- - Armed man arrested at site of Charlie Kirk funeral was conducting security sweep: TPUSA
Anna YoungSeptember 21, 2025 at 9:39 AM
0
The armed man accused of bringing a gun and a knife into the Arizona stadium where conservative activist Charlie Kirk's funeral will be held posed no threat and was merely conducting a security sweep ahead of Sunday's services, Turning Point USA confirmed.
Joshua Runkles – arrested Friday inside State Farm Stadium for allegedly posing as a cop – was on site "doing advance security for a known guest" at the memorial, expected to draw more than 100,000 attendees, including VIPs such as President Trump.
"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," TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said on X Saturday.
Joshua Runkles, 42, the man accused of bringing a gun and a knife into State Farm Stadium, where Charlie Kirk's funeral will be held, posed no threat and was merely conducting a security sweep ahead of Sunday's services. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
"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."
Kolvet did not identify the guest Runkles was providing security for.
Runkles, 42, was allegedly carrying a knife, a gun, and expired law enforcement credentials when he was nabbed inside the NFL stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals, on Friday afternoon.
He reportedly told Secret Service agents he was at the site to provide private security and handed them the faulty police badge and ID.
Runkles was booked into Maricopa County Jail for impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place.
Three U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in camouflage uniforms are standing in front of State Farm Stadium. Aristide Economopoulos
Officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection stand outside State Farm Stadium. Aristide Economopoulos
People visit the makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the headquarters of Turning Point USA on September 19, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images
He was later released on an unspecified bond, but an investigation is ongoing to determine his reason for being at the stadium, a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Public Safety told The Post.
Runkles, who holds a concealed carry permit in North Carolina, is a former Idaho deputy sheriff, a federal source told Fox News Digital.
However, court documents obtained by the outlet stated the Runkles is not associated with or employed by the sheriff's office, despite what the bad and ID card suggested.
A banner hangs on the facade of the State Farm Stadium ahead of a memorial service in tribute to Charlie Kirk. REUTERS
Workers close the road around the State Farm stadium ahead of the funeral of Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona, on September 20, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
A cross stands across from the State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, as it prepares to host a memorial service for Charlie Kirk on September 20, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. Getty Images
The "Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk" memorial will be held Sunday – more than a week after the right wing influencer was gunned down during an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10.
A US Department of Homeland Security official previously told The Post they designated the funeral a level-1 "special event assessment rating."
"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," the official explained.
Kirk's widow, Erika, is expected to speak at the memorial, along with the president.
Other VIPs expected to deliver remarks include Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth; US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard; Donald Trump Jr. and more.
Source: "AOL General News"
Source: ERIUS MAG
Full Article on Source: ERIUS MAG
#LALifestyle #USCelebrities