Independent review finds security lapses at Utah Valley University in fatal shooting of activist Charlie Kirk

Image caption: Kirk's Utah Valley University event was held in a courtyard surrounded by tall buildings

By Jude Sheerin

An independent review has identified multiple security shortcomings at the Utah campus where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot last year.

The report found that Utah Valley University (UVU) failed to conduct a proper written security assessment or prepare an event action plan, instead deferring key decision-making about the event to Kirk's conservative organization, Turning Point USA.

It also stated that Kirk's aides insisted on an outdoor venue, overriding security concerns from campus officials, who then failed to adequately assess the risks.

The 31-year-old activist was addressing thousands of people in an Orem campus courtyard when he was shot from a nearby rooftop on 10 September 2025.

Kirk's family said the report reinforced their concerns about how the event was managed.

Key Findings

• University officials raised concerns in August 2025 about holding the event at a location surrounded by tall buildings and suggested alternative venues, including indoor options, according to the report published by UVU.
• "But a Turning Point representative insisted that Kirk speak at a campus courtyard because he had been there previously and the organisation was familiar with the location," the report adds.
• Despite "significant protective operations considerations," no line-of-sight assessment was documented in the planning process, the external consultants noted.
• Shortcomings were identified in coordination between university police and Kirk's private security team.
• A proposed meeting between the university's police chief and Turning Point security shortly before the event did not take place.

The reviewers described the absence of a joint security briefing and walk-through as a missed opportunity to identify risks, clarify responsibilities, and consider additional security measures.

However, the review concluded that no university employee or representative had acted in bad faith or shown "willful and wanton disregard" for anyone's safety.

Image caption: Charlie Kirk was addressing about 3,000 people when he was shot in the neck

Family Response

Kirk's family has previously accused the university of serious security failures and has filed a wrongful-death notice, a step that can precede legal action.

The family's lawyer, Brett Parkinson, said the independent report released on Friday backed up the concerns raised by Kirk's loved ones.

"The buck stopped with UVU leadership and law enforcement," Parkinson said in a statement to the Associated Press. "Justice for Charlie and his family requires true accountability for UVU's fatal shortcomings that day."

When asked for comment on the findings, Turning Point USA referred to Parkinson's statement.

Recommendations and Next Steps

The review makes numerous recommendations aimed at improving security for major campus events.

UVU President Jon Anderson said the university must "learn from the findings of this review, and follow through on its recommendations."

It has previously been reported that campus police failed to conduct security procedures that are common practice at high-profile US events, including flying a drone to monitor rooftops or implementing security screening such as bag checks and metal detectors.

Background

Kirk had been debating UVU students about US mass shootings, as part of a series of events across different university campuses, when he was shot in the neck shortly after noon. He was rushed to hospital but later pronounced dead.

His alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder in connection with Kirk's death. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Related Topics

• United States
• Utah
• US gun violence

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