Joshua Runkles, the individual accused of bringing weapons into the NFL stadium where Charlie Kirk’s memorial service is being held, has been charged with multiple offenses. According to the Secret Service, Runkles was observed with suspicious behavior at the State Farm Stadium ahead of the memorial, and he was found carrying multiple guns, knives, and fake law enforcement badges. He was apprehended after a DPS trooper told him he was not allowed to be armed. Runkles claimed that he was providing advance security for a known guest at the event, but it was later revealed that he was not affiliated with any official law enforcement agency.
The Secret Service and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are currently investigating the matter. A TPUSA spokesman clarified that Runkles was working as an advance security detail for a known guest at the memorial service, and that the advance was not conducted in coordination with their security team or the US Secret Service. The TPUSA spokesperson also noted that the site was not yet fully sealed and locked down, and that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Additionally, newly released probable cause documents indicate that Runkles gained access to the State Farm Stadium on Friday afternoon with a loaded pistol, revolver, and several knives after disregarding the DPS trooper’s instructions. He allegedly told authorities that he was working on a security detail for Turning Point USA and presented a Franklin County Sheriff’s Office badge and an Idaho law enforcement identification card. However, it was revealed that Runkles was not associated with, or employed by, the sheriff’s office as the badge and ID card represented. A federal source familiar with the investigation told Fox News that the man was a former law enforcement member from another state.
Runkles has a concealed carry weapon permit issued in North Carolina, though it is unclear if that is where he resides. The Secret Service spokesperson previously stated that Runkles was approached by the Secret Service and told them he was a member of law enforcement and that he was armed. The development comes as police are expecting approximately 100,000 people to attend Kirk’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium and an overflow arena on Sunday, according to media reports. The event has been designated as a ‘Special Event Assessment Rating Level 1,’ which is reserved for events of high national significance, similar to the Super Bowl. Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow; President Donald Trump; and Vice President JD Vance are among those who will speak at the event.