More than 100,000 people are expected to attend a memorial service for Charlie Kirk on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The event will be attended by members of the Trump administration, including President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The stadium will also host Americans who were touched by Charlie’s work and want to honor his life and legacy.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell took to social media to warn violent leftists that illegal activity will not be tolerated.
Mitchell wrote, “It is with profound sorrow that we mourn the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. On Sunday, thousands will gather at State Farm Stadium to pay their respects. Others may choose to express their views through protest. Both are protected expressions in our republic.”
“This moment calls for Maricopa County to step up and show the nation-and the world— that we value dignity, civility, and the rule of law. We can be role models that even in times of grief and disagreement, our community is united in its commitment to free speech without violence or lawlessness.”
Let me be clear: my office will defend the rights of those who come to mourn or protest peacefully. Anyone who chooses to break the law-through violence, destruction of property, or obstruction— will be held accountable.
“Let us honor Charlie Kirk’s memory and the blessings of liberty not with division or disruption, but with peace and respect for others.”
Please see my statement on Charlie Kirk’s memorial happening on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/wj0GfPuX9s
— Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell (@Rachel1Mitchell) September 19, 2025
The federal government has deemed the memorial a Level 1 Special Event, the same categorization as the Super Bowl, which requires extensive federal interagency support.
Mitchell’s warning comes after authorities detained a man at State Farm Stadium on Friday evening after he attempted to enter the venue while armed with a tactical knife, at least one firearm, and inactive law enforcement credentials.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released at this time, reportedly claimed affiliation with law enforcement and exhibited suspicious behavior that prompted action from security personnel.
The armed suspect has been identified as Joshua Runkles, 42.
Runkles was not immediately arrested, only detained, but has now been charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon in a prohibited place.