Gunman impersonating officer identified at Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona as security details tighten for Turning Point USA event

An armed man who claimed to be part of a security detail for Turning Point USA at Charlie Kirk's memorial in Arizona was identified by authorities as Joshua Runkles, a 42-year-old man who was detained at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Friday.

The 42-year-old was seen carrying two guns and several knives when he was apprehended at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Friday, according to a probable cause statement filed in court that was obtained by Fox News. In a twist, Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet later said Runkles was doing 'advance security for a known guest'. 'We do not believe this person was attempting anything nefarious,' Kolvet said. Nonetheless, Runkles has been charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place.

At around 12:15 pm on Friday, an officer with the Arizona Department of Public Safety encountered Runkles, who claimed he was working with a security detail through Turning Point USA, according to the court document. When asked to identify himself, Runkles allegedly presented a badge with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and an Idaho law enforcement identification card. Officers then asked Runkles if he was armed, per the documents. He said yes and was turned away at the gate by personnel who told him he'd have to contact representatives with Turning Point USA if he wanted to be let in.

Pictured: Joshua Runkles, 42, has been identified as the man who allegedly impersonated a police officer at the site of the Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona. Runkles was detained on Friday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, which is set to host Kirk's memorial service on Sunday, September 21. It's unclear at this time how he gained access. He was then arrested and was found with 'a loaded pistol, a revolver and several knives', police said. His law enforcement identification badge and ID card were found not to be active, and officials confirmed he was no longer employed by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, according to police.

Runkles was released on bond around 10am on Saturday, Arizona police told the Daily Mail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday. It comes as officials are, 'tracking several threats of unknown credibility' ahead of the high-profile event on Sunday, per ABC News.

The memorial service for Charlie Kirk has prompted heightened security and official warnings, with federal authorities designating the event as a Level 1 Special Event, the highest possible rating. The service, titled 'Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk', is slated to begin at 11am local time, with doors opening at 8am. Attendees are advised to wear red, white and blue and will be screened with metal detectors; bags and certain items are prohibited. The Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium, which seats about 63,000 and can expand for larger gatherings, will host the event.

Speakers and performers tied to the memorial include Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk; President Donald Trump; Vice President JD Vance; White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles; Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth; Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard; Donald Trump Jr.; White House advisor Stephen Miller; and others. Christian musicians such as Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Kari Jobe Carnes and Cody Carnes were also listed as performers. Local law enforcement said preparations for the event are on a level usually reserved for major sporting events like the Super Bowl, with reinforcements from neighboring jurisdictions and bomb squads and tactical units on standby.

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, was killed on September 10 at Utah Valley University while on a campus tour for his interstate speaking circuit. His death has intensified national debate over free speech and political violence. Kirk's widow has vowed to continue his mission, saying the campus tour would proceed through the autumn.

Separately, the legal case against the man accused of killing Kirk has progressed. Tyler Robinson appeared by video link for his first court hearing on September 17; he faces seven charges, including aggravated murder and witness tampering. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty based on the available evidence and circumstances surrounding the crime. Erika Kirk delivered a tearful address after her husband was killed, telling supporters that her husband's mission would continue to resonate across the country and the world.

The ongoing security posture and the prominence of the memorial in political circles have underscored ongoing questions about threats to public figures and the responsibilities of organizations like Turning Point USA to vet security measures around high-profile events.