Armed man inside Charlie Kirk memorial venue charged with impersonating police officer
Share this @internewscast.com

Arizona officials announced charges Saturday against the man the Secret Service said was carrying a gun and knife inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Friday. 

The NFL stadium is where Charlie Kirk’s memorial event is set to take place Sunday. Joshua Runkles was charged Saturday with impersonating a law enforcement officer – a felony – and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place, which is a misdemeanor, a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Public Safety said. 

Runkles was released on bond after being booked into the Maricopa County Jail, officials said.

“An investigation is ongoing to determine his intent and purpose at the stadium,” the spokesman said.

“He came and identified himself with expired credentials. They are going through his background and trying to figure out what he was up to there,” the federal source added. 

Guglielmi said to Fox News Digital: “The U.S. Secret Service in coordination with local law enforcement in Glendale, Arizona, is investigating an individual who was observed exhibiting suspicious behavior at State Farm Stadium.” 

“The individual was approached by Secret Service and stated during the encounter that he was a member of law enforcement and that he was armed. The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event and is currently in custody,” Guglielmi added. 

Security at State Farm Stadium

A security guard keeps watch over at State Farm Stadium for Sunday’s memorial service for Charlie Kirk, Glendale, Arizona, on Friday, September 19, 2025. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

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, Sept. 21, according to media reports.  

State Farm Stadium has fixed seating for 63,400 and can expand to over 73,000 for larger events, according to the venue. 

The Department of Homeland Security also designated the memorial service as a “Special Event Assessment Rating Level 1,” which is “reserved for events of the highest national significance” and the same severity as the Super Bowl.  

Charlie Kirk on Utah Valley University campus

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah, prior to his assassination. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

Erika Kirk, who is Charlie Kirk’s widow, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are among those set to speak at the event. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
St. John's has big payroll without revenue sharing — for now

St. John’s Faces Financial Strain with Expanding Payroll Amidst Lack of Revenue Sharing

This revelation wasn’t exactly groundbreaking; rather, it served as a reminder of…
Left-wing New Hampshire professor smeared Charlie Kirk for 'white supremacy' after assassination

New Hampshire Professor Faces Backlash for Accusing Charlie Kirk of ‘White Supremacy’ Amid Controversial Remarks

In the wake of the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of…
Mamdani win upended NYC electoral politics: OK Boomers, Gen Z and Millennials are now in charge

NYC Power Shift: How Gen Z and Millennials Are Redefining Local Politics After Mamdani’s Victory

In a striking shift from previous voting trends, over half of the…
ICE says it took down group linked to violent home invasions in Texas; video shows victim chased, attacked

ICE Dismantles Texas Home Invasion Ring: Shocking Video Reveals Terrifying Attacks

EXCLUSIVE FROM FOX: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the apprehension…
Watch: Sydney Sweeney Refuses to Apologize for American Eagle 'Great Jeans' Ad

Sydney Sweeney Stands Her Ground: No Apologies for American Eagle ‘Great Jeans’ Campaign

Actress Sydney Sweeney has stood by her decision not to apologize for…
ICE arrests illegal immigrant in Massachusetts accused of stabbing coworker with scissors, trash bin attack

Shocking Scissors Attack: ICE Apprehends Suspect in Massachusetts Workplace Incident

An undocumented immigrant, apprehended in Massachusetts on Thursday following a heated exchange…
Photos reveal dolphins injured during a ride from one Florida attraction to another

Disturbing Photos Highlight Dolphin Injuries During Transport Between Florida Attractions

A dolphin researcher is urging for a protective order for dolphins entangled…
Democrats consider prolonging the government shutdown as Republicans prepare new bills without health care fix

Democrats Weigh Extending Government Shutdown Amidst Republican Push for New Legislation Lacking Health Care Solutions

In a bid to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, Republican senators are…
Downside of America's fastest-growing sport? Doctors see surge in pickleball eye injuries

Spike in Pickleball Popularity Leads to Rise in Eye Injuries, Doctors Warn

Pickleball, a sport that’s gained significant popularity recently, is also seeing a…
Student arrested for flipping Turning Point table charged days prior in similar anti-conservative incident

Student Arrested for Disrupting Conservative Events Faces Multiple Charges

A University of Iowa student found himself in legal trouble twice within…
Ruben Torres Maldonado, cancer patient father detained in Niles, says he endured 'inhumane conditions' at Broadview ICE facility

Cancer Patient Father Describes ‘Inhumane Conditions’ During Detention at Niles ICE Facility

CHICAGO — In an emotional interview with ABC7 Chicago, Ruben Torres Maldonado…
Duffy says air travel may take ‘days if not a week’ to return to normal, even after shutdown ends

Air Travel Chaos: Duffy Warns of Extended Delays Even After Shutdown Lifted

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Friday that following the conclusion of…