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Armed Man Posing as Law Enforcement Detained Inside State Farm Stadium Before Charlie Kirk Memorial

Investigators now focus on the security breakdown that let an unauthorized, armed visitor reach the club level.

Overview

  • Arizona DPS says Joshua Runkles was arrested on counts of impersonating a police officer and bringing a weapon into a prohibited place.
  • He was booked into Maricopa County Jail and released on bond, with the investigation ongoing by DPS and the U.S. Secret Service.
  • Court records state a DPS major told him he could not enter or be armed, yet a Secret Service agent later found him inside on the club level.
  • Agents recovered two firearms and several knives, and authorities say he was not part of any authorized law enforcement assigned to the event.
  • Turning Point USA said he claimed to be performing advance security for a known guest but that the effort was not coordinated with TPUSA security or the Secret Service.