More than 100K expected to attend Kirk memorial service
Doors will be open on Sunday to thousands of people at State Farm Stadium for Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. On Friday, a man was arrested for allegedly impersonating an officer. Turning Point USA says the man was working as security, but that has raised some eyebrows as to who exactly is in charge of security. FOX 10’s Nicole Krasean reports.
GLENDALE, Ariz. – An armed man who allegedly impersonated himself as a member of law enforcement at State Farm Stadium, the site where a memorial service for Charlie Kirk will be held on Sunday, was arrested.
What we know:
The Arizona Department of Public Safety says 42-year-old Joshua Runkles, a North Carolina resident, was carrying a satchel at around 12 p.m. on Sept. 19 when he approached an officer working a security detail.
“[Runkles] stated he happened to be in town when Turning Point USA personnel called and requested security, and he or his company was able to assist and assigned to the event,” court documents read.
Runkles was advised by the officer that he would need to contact Turning Point USA, who would then liaison with the Secret Service to determine if he was approved to work security at the stadium.
When the officer asked Runkles if he had identification, he showed the officer a Franklin County Sheriff’s Office badge and an Idaho law enforcement identification card. Runkles also reportedly had a concealed carry permit, but was told by the officer that he was not allowed to enter the stadium or be armed on the property.
“Joshua was compliant, respectful, and cooperative during the conversation,” court documents read. “He advised he understood the requirements and would contact Turning Point USA personnel.”
About two hours later, Runkels was spotted inside the stadium by Secret Service members and taken into custody. He reportedly had a loaded pistol, a revolver and several knives.
Runkels was arrested and booked into jail before being released on bond.
Charlie Kirk memorial heightens security at State Farm Stadium
Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a memorial will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance will both be in attendance, making for extremely tight security. FOX 10’s Kenzie Beach reports.
Turning Point USA statement on incident
What they’re saying:
“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. 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,” Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet said.
What’s next:
The Secret Service says they are investigating the incident, including why Runkles was at State Farm Stadium.
Memorial banners for conservative activist Charlie Kirk outside of State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, US, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Map of State Farm Stadium
The Source: Information for this story was gathered from statements from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the United States Secret Service, Turning Point USA, and documents obtained from Maricopa County Superior Court.