January 1, Security Scare at Kirk Memorial Raises Questions

Wyatt’s Take

• A man entered Kirk’s memorial site with guns, knives, and bogus badges.
• He claimed to be handling security but wasn’t cleared by officials.
• Authorities arrested and charged him for impersonation and carrying weapons.

A man showed up at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, where Charlie Kirk’s public memorial is set, carrying several firearms, knives, and fake law enforcement badges. He was picked up by police on Saturday before a crowd of over 100,000 was expected to gather in honor of Kirk.

Joshua Runkles faces charges of felony impersonation and misdemeanor weapons violations, after being taken to jail and then released on bond.

According to a Turning Point USA spokesman, “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.”

The Secret Service responded, saying, “The defendant displayed credentials that the issuing law enforcement agency said were invalid. He had firearms and knives on his person and the Department of Public Safety charged him with criminal impersonation and weapons charges as he did not have the authority in Arizona to have those items.”

Authorities say Runkles ignored orders from law enforcement and entered the stadium with a loaded pistol, a revolver, and several knives, showing badges from out-of-state agencies he had no official link to. Court documents confirm he is not employed by the sheriff’s office his badge claimed.

Officials also noted that he holds a concealed carry permit from North Carolina, but his current residence was not detailed. The incident took place before the site was fully locked down for the memorial.

This comes as security is extra tight, with a special federal event rating, and big names like President Trump and Vice President Vance set to speak. Both law enforcement and organizers say every step is being taken to protect attendees.

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Wyatt Matters

Events like this highlight why trust in security and clear boundaries at public gatherings are crucial for the safety of all families attending. Middle America expects those responsible for protection to act with real authority and keep everyone safe.