It was first reported Saturday that Secret Service arrested an armed man “posing as a law enforcement officer” at the Arizona stadium where Charlie Kirk’s funeral will be held Sunday.
The man was identified as Joshua Runkles, 42. He was allegedly found with a “loaded pistol, revolver, and several knives”, along with expired law enforcement credentials.
Runkles was taken to the Maricopa County Jail on charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer, but was later released on bond.
NEW: Man arrested inside State Farm stadium ahead of Kirk memorial found with “loaded pistol, revolver, and several knives” according to court docs. He claimed to be working security detail for Turing Point USA. Police say Joshua Patrick Runkles presented a Franklin County…
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) September 20, 2025
Responding to the disturbing news, Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet, who was also the producer for the Charlie Kirk Show, shed more light on the situation.
Kolvet wrote in a post on X later on Saturday: “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.”
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… https://t.co/i6YvnMUog1
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) September 20, 2025
However, a mugshot of Runkles isn’t easing everyone’s concerns.
According to Secret Service, the man was “exhibiting suspicious behavior.” The man was later identified as 42-year-old Joshua Runkles of Cameron, North Carolina. https://t.co/SGeuNmqjUX
— WRAL NEWS in NC (@WRAL) September 20, 2025
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