Security lapses at Utah campus where Charlie Kirk was killed, review says

An independent review has identified significant security lapses at Utah Valley University (UVU) where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed. The report found that UVU failed to conduct a proper written security assessment or prepare an event action plan for Kirk's appearance on September 10, 2025. Key decisions were deferred to Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, whose aides insisted on an outdoor venue despite campus officials' concerns about the location's vulnerability to rooftop threats. These concerns, including a lack of line-of-sight assessment during planning, were overridden by Turning Point USA's preference for a familiar courtyard. Kirk was shot from a nearby rooftop while addressing thousands of attendees. Kirk's family stated the report validates their concerns about event management.

An independent report commissioned by Utah Valley University (UVU) found that Turning Point USA (TPUSA) insisted on holding an outdoor speaking event for Charlie Kirk, despite school staff raising security concerns weeks prior. The report examined security procedures leading up to Kirk's fatal shooting on September 10, 2025, at the university's campus. Despite recommendations to move the event to a more secure location, TPUSA "insisted upon" an outdoor setting, which the report stated created significant protective operations considerations. The university also deferred key security decisions, including venue selection and ticketing, to TPUSA, limiting UVU's ability to control the event and gather attendance information. Kirk's family plans to sue UVU, alleging the university assumed responsibility for attendee safety.