The armed man accused of bringing a gun and a knife into the Arizona stadium ahead of Charlie Kirk’s funeral was not a threat and was just conducting a security sweep before Sunday’s services, Turning Point USA confirmed.
Joshua Runkles, who was arrested inside State Farm Stadium, home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, was on site Saturday “doing advance security for a known guest” attending the memorial service, the conservative organization Kirk founded said on X.
“We do not believe this person was attempting anything nefarious, however the advance was not done in proper coordination with the TPUSA security team or US Secret Service,” TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said.
Here’s the latest on the Charlie Kirk shooting in Utah
- Police identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the alleged assassin who fatally shot Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
- Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice.
- Law enforcement confirmed that Robinson was living with a transgender roommate, and communications between the two helping the feds catch the alleged assassin.
- Kirk, the 31-year-old Turning Point USA creator, was attending an event on his American Comeback Tour when he was fatally shot in the neck by a single shot.
- President Trump was among many who have called for the assassin to receive the death penalty.
- Kirk’s body was brought to Arizona from Utah on Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, and taken to Phoenix’s Hansen Mortuary Chapel.
- Kirk’s funeral, which President Trump has promised to attend, is scheduled for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.
- Kirk, a rising MAGA star, is survived by his wife and two young children.
“Also important to note that this was before the site had been fully sealed and locked down. Every precaution is being taken to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Runkles, 42, was allegedly carrying a knife, a gun and expired law enforcement credentials when he was nabbed inside the Glendale stadium Friday.
He was booked into Maricopa County Jail for impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place. He was later released on bond.
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