An armed man was arrested on Friday afternoon at the Glendale, Arizona, stadium where conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's memorial service will be held, state law enforcement said.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified the man as 42-year-old Joshua Runkles, who was found inside the State Farm Stadium and was taken into custody after "exhibiting suspicious behavior," a spokesman for the agency confirmed to The Epoch Times.
U.S. Secret Service agents initially approached Runkles, who then allegedly told them that he was a member of law enforcement and that he was armed. Authorities confirmed Runkles is not part of any law enforcement agency authorized to work the event.
Runkles was 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 but has since been released on bond. The amount of the bond was unclear.
Arizona DPS confirmed it is working with the Secret Service to investigate the circumstances of Runkles's presence at the stadium.
"An investigation is ongoing to determine his intent and purpose at the stadium. Runkles has since been released on bond," the spokesperson said.
The arrest comes amid heightened security in the area ahead of Sunday's service, which is expected to bring President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and many other political and media figures, alongside Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated on Sept. 10 while giving a talk at Utah Valley University. Utah prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with the killing.
Days before the memorial service for the conservative influencer, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives adopted a resolution marking Oct. 14, 2025 -- Kirk's birthday -- a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk."
The resolution called Kirk "a devoted Christian, who boldly lived out his faith with conviction, courage, and compassion," and "a dedicated husband" and "a loving father to their daughter and son, exemplifying the virtues of faith, fidelity, and fatherhood."
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with businessman Bill Montgomery, with a goal of promoting conservative values by appealing to young people. Its mission statement is to "identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government."
The resolution honored Kirk, saying he was a free-speech champion who "worked tirelessly to promote unity" and engaged in "respectful, civil discourse." It further condemned political violence more broadly and called on Americans to "recommit to respectful debate."