Armed man arrested at Charlie Kirk memorial venue after conducting 'security sweep'
Topics: Charlie Kirk, US News, Donald Trump, Politics
Dan Seddon
Featured Image Credit: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Topics: Charlie Kirk, US News, Donald Trump, Politics
A 42-year-old man was handcuffed at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona on Friday (September 19), where the Charlie Kirk memorial service will soon take place.
Home to the NFL side Arizona Cardinals, this 63,400-capacity venue is hosting 'Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk' today (September 21), with President Donald Trump expected to attend and share a tribute to the right-wing activist who was killed on stage at Utah Valley University this month.
Ahead of the event, Turning Point USA revealed that Joshua Runkles was arrested on site for allegedly posing as a policeman.
Allegedly found to be carrying both a gun and a knife when apprehended, it's reported that Runkles was 'doing advance security for a known guest' set to swing by the memorial.
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"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," revealed TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet via Twitter.
His tweet continued: "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."
Runkles was allegedly in possession of expired law enforcement credentials, too, telling Secret Service agents that he was at the stadium to provide private security before handing them his old police identification.
He was subsequently shipped off to Maricopa County Jail on charges of impersonating an officer and carrying weapons into a prohibited building.
A spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Public Safety said Runkles was later released on an unspecified bond, while an investigation into his reason for being at the venue is ongoing.
Kirk's funeral has been designated a Level-1 'special event assessment rating' by the US Department of Homeland Security.
An official informed the New York Post: "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 late 31-year-old was discussing gun violence just moments before he was fatally shot.
Footage from Kirk's last-ever speaking event showed the conservative commentator being asked: "Do you know many transgender Americans have been shooters over the last 10 years?"
He replied 'too many' before the crowd roared.