Man detained at Kirk memorial site charged with impersonating cop
Share this @internewscast.com

An armed individual detained on Friday at the Arizona memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been formally charged on Saturday with impersonating a law enforcement officer.

The authorities have identified the man as Joshua Runkles, 42, who was apprehended at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to “exhibiting suspicious behavior,” according to a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Runkles was first approached by the Secret Service, after which he allegedly “falsely claimed to be a member of law enforcement and stated that he was armed.”

He now faces charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer, a felony, along with carrying a weapon into a restricted area, a misdemeanor, as per the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Runkles was booked into the Maricopa County Jail, but was since released on bond. 

A representative from Turning Point USA, affiliated with Kirk’s organization, stated on social media Saturday that the person detained was conducting advance security for a guest intending to attend the memorial service, asserting, “We do not believe this person had any malicious intent.”

But Andrew Kolvet said the advance work was not done in “proper coordination” with TPUSA or the U.S. Secret service.

An Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman said an investigation continues.

The forthcoming memorial for Kirk, who tragically lost his life last week in Utah, is scheduled for Sunday. The event will feature Super-Bowl-level security protocols and has been classified as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event.

President Trump, Vice President Vance and other administration officials are set to give remarks at the funeral service.  

On Friday, federal authorities said they are tracking “several threats of unknown credibility” against people who plan to be at the service. 

After a manhunt for Kirk’s shooter, law enforcement identified Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah resident, as the alleged suspect. Utah is seeking the death penalty against the suspect. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Schedule: Major Storms to Make a Comeback in Central Florida

Patchy fog possible for morning commute Future radar ORLANDO, Fla. – The…

Augusta men receive 10-year federal sentences for mail theft and bank fraud

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Two men from Richmond County have been sentenced…

‘A Positive Move: New Smyrna Beach Decides to Boost Firefighter Salaries’

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – On Tuesday night, the New Smyrna Beach…

Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash Leaves Two Dead and Two Hurt

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. () – An investigation is underway in Columbia County…

DoorDash Driver Notifies Police of Possible Hostage Situation After Delivering Odd Items

A DoorDash driver in Sweetwater, Texas, contacted the police after sensing something…

Nexstar’s ABC Stations to Temporarily Suspend Airing of Jimmy Kimmel Show

Nexstar Media Group announced on Tuesday that despite Disney’s decision to reinstate…

Georgia Southern Kicks Off Conference Games Against James Madison

STATESBORO, Ga. () — The Georgia Southern football team begins conference play…

Ryan Routh tried to stab his neck with a pen after being found guilty

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Mae Martin Takes a Dark Turn in Netflix’s Thriller ‘Wayward’

Canadian comedian Mae Martin’s new limited series on Netflix, which mixes comedic…

Dominican Authorities Capture Cocaine on Venezuelan Vessel

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

DHS Announces ICE Will Not Adhere to California’s Mask-Wearing Ban for Agents

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Monday that it would…

Weather Update by Storm Team 3: Upcoming Warm and Humid Days, Monitoring Gabrielle and Potential Storm Formations

Today marked the beginning of fall in Savannah, Georgia, at 2:19 PM,…