Just In: Armed Suspect Arrested While Trying to Enter Stadium Where Charlie Kirk Memorial Will be Held Tomorrow Has Been Released on Bond | The Gateway Pundit | by Cassandra MacDonald

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Image: DHSgov, Wikimedia Commons

Update: TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet has confirmed the suspect was doing security for an attendee.

Kolvet wrote in a post on X, “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.”

Original story:

The armed suspect who attempted to enter State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, ahead of Charlie Kirk’s memorial has been identified as Joshua Runkles, 42.

As the Gateway Pundit reported early on Saturday morning, Runkles attempted to enter the stadium on Friday evening while armed with a tactical knife, at least one firearm, and inactive law enforcement credentials.

Runkles was not immediately arrested, only detained, but has now been charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon in a prohibited place.

However, Runkles has since been released on bond.

Arizona’s Family reports:

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) confirmed that Joshua Runkles, 42, was taken into custody and booked into Maricopa County Jail. However, DPS confirmed Runkles was released on bond.

U.S. Secret Service (USSS) contacted Runkles, who reportedly told them that he was a member of law enforcement and that he was armed, according to the USSS.

Authorities confirmed Runkles is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event. There were multiple knives and guns recovered.

The USSS and AZDPS are jointly investigating Runkles’ arrest and the circumstances surrounding why he was at State Farm Stadium.

The stadium is scheduled to host the memorial service for assassinated conservative icon Charlie Kirk on Sunday morning. The massive event is expected to draw over 100,000 attendees, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other members of the cabinet.

The suspect reportedly claimed affiliation with law enforcement and exhibited suspicious behavior, prompting action from security personnel.

“The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event and is currently in custody,” the Secret Service said in a statement to the Washington Post immediately after he was detained. “The U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement are investigating the circumstances as to why he was at the location.”

UPDATE:

The website RecentlyBooked.com has published a mugshot of the alleged suspect.

The website says he was booked at 6:09 a.m. local time.