Armed man charged with impersonating police officer at Charlie Kirk memorial stadium

A man has been charged with impersonating a police officer and carrying a weapon at the stadium where a memorial is being held for Charlie Kirk on Sunday, the US Secret Service has said. 

The suspect was approached by security staff at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on Friday after "exhibiting suspicious behaviour", a Secret Service spokesperson said in a statement.

He "falsely claimed to be a member of law enforcement and stated that he was armed", the statement continued.

He was then arrested by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon in a prohibited place.

The man was taken to Maricopa County Jail and later released on bail.

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Later, Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA (TPUSA) who is hosing the service, said in a post on X that he wanted to add a "note of clarity".

He said: "This individual was doing advance security for a known guest planning to attend the memorial service tomorrow.

"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.

"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 memorial service is expected to draw huge crowds and set to be attended by US President Donald Trump and vice president JD Vance.

State Farm Stadium is home to the American football team, the Arizona Cardinals and has previously hosted the Super Bowl.

Turning Point USA co-founder Kirk, 31, was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University on 10 September.

Tyler Robinson, 22, from Utah, has been charged with aggravated murder, weapon, and obstruction of justice offences.