Charlie Kirk memorial: Arrested man revealed to be conducting security sweep

The man accused ofbeing armed at the stadium where Charlie Kirk's funeral is being held did not pose a threat, according to the Conservative activist's NGO.

Turning Point USA (TPUSA) confirmedJoshua Runkles, who was arrested at State Farm Stadium on Friday for allegedly posing as a police officer,was merely conducting a security sweep for a "known guest."

Runkles wascarrying a gun and a knife at the Arizona memorial - which is expected to draw a crowd of more than 100,000, including prominent right-wing and Conservative figures. President Donald Trump is one of the VIPs expected to attend.

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“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 on X Saturday.

“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.”

The NGO did not provide any further details as to who 42-year-old Runkles was conducting the sweep for.

The suspect was carrying weapons and an expired law enforcement documents when he was arrested at the stadium, which is the home ground of the Arizona Cardinals NFL team.

When questioned by Secret Service agents, he told them he'd been employed as private security. He handed them the fake police badge and ID, for which he was arrested.

He was taken into custody at Maricopa County Jail for impersonating law enforcement and for having a weapon at a prohibited place. While an investigation is ongoing, he was released on an unspecified bond, according tot he Arizona Department of Public Safety.

A federal source told Fox News Digital that Runkles has a concealed carry permit in North Carolina and was once a deputy sheriff in Idaho.

Whilst on bail, Runkles has been banned from returning to the location of the alleged offence. His residential address is recorded as North Carolina.

Kirk''s public memorial service is scheduled for later today. The stadium has a capacity of 63,000 people, expandable to over 73,000 for larger events. The nearby Desert Diamond Arena will serve as overflow and can accommodate an additional 19,000 people.

The event will be on a first-come, first-served basis based on stadium capacity. TP USA also advises that there will be a no bag policy in effect.

Kirk was shot dead last Wednesday whilst addressing students at a public event at Utah Valley University. He was struck by a single to the neck as he sat under a small gazebo erected to protect him from the sun.

A 22 year old man, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with his murder.