Armed man impersonating law enforcement detained at Charlie Kirk memorial event.
A man was arrested late Friday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where a memorial service for Charlie Kirk is scheduled to take place on Sunday. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Joshua Runkles, was detained after approaching Secret Service agents and falsely claiming to be a member of law enforcement. When detained, Runkles was found to be armed with both a gun and a knife.
According to a statement from the U.S. Secret Service, the man displayed suspicious behavior, prompting agency personnel to intervene. The statement confirmed that this individual is not affiliated with any authorized law enforcement agencies involved in securing the event, and an investigation is underway to determine the motives behind his presence at the venue.
Runkles faces serious legal consequences, having been charged with a felony for impersonating a peace officer, in addition to a misdemeanor for carrying a weapon into a prohibited area. Authorities continue to assess the situation to ensure the safety of attendees expected to gather for what is anticipated to be a large public memorial.
The forthcoming memorial service, titled “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk,” is set to draw approximately 100,000 supporters. This significant event follows the tragic death of Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of the youth organization Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot earlier this month while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Former President Donald Trump is slated to speak at the memorial, having previously described Kirk as a “giant of his generation.” Trump has also indicated plans to posthumously award Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Alongside Trump, the event will include other notable figures such as Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who has recently assumed leadership as the new CEO of Turning Point USA, and various other supporters from the conservative political sphere.
Given the high-profile nature of the speakers and the potential for a large crowd, the Department of Homeland Security has classified the memorial as a Level 1 Special Event, the highest level of security classification for public gatherings. This decision comes as law enforcement agencies report ongoing concerns regarding threats related to the service, with warnings issued about the possibility of violent extremism targeting the event.
As the situation develops, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are collaborating to ensure a secure environment for attendees as they honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk in a moment marked by both celebration and heightened vigilance.
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