Authorities in Arizona say a man has been arrested after attempting to sneak weapons into State Farm Stadium in Glendale, where late conservative influencer Charlie Kirk’s memorial service is set to take place on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Joshua Runkles, has been charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer — a felony — and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place, a misdemeanor. He was booked into Maricopa County Jail and later released on bond, according to Fox News.
Officials said Runkles was found carrying a gun and a knife inside the stadium before the event’s security perimeter had been established. He allegedly posed as a private security agent, presenting expired law enforcement credentials.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed he had no role in official security operations for the memorial. “He identified himself as law enforcement and said he was armed. The individual is not authorized,” a Secret Service spokesperson stated.
The incident comes amid heightened security preparations for the memorial, which is expected to draw nearly 100,000 attendees. Former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, are among the scheduled speakers.
The Department of Homeland Security has designated the memorial as a Level 1 special security event — the same classification as a Super Bowl — underscoring its national significance.
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
