University Security Deficiencies Cited in Report on Charlie Kirk Assassination

A report released Friday by Utah Valley University identified significant security deficiencies in the planning and execution of the event where Charlie Kirk was assassinated on campus last year. The external, independent review assessed security procedures for Kirk’s Sept. 10, 2025, talk in Orem, Utah.

The report found that Turning Point USA insisted Kirk speak outdoors in a courtyard, a location some university officials raised concerns about due to surrounding tall buildings. Despite these reservations, the university deferred critical decision-making to Turning Point, according to the report. Investigators examined planning conversations between the organization and university officials, as well as the university's response to the shooting.

Key findings indicate the university did not conduct a formal security assessment, failed to create a written event action plan, and did not adequately consider potential dangers, such as the possibility of a rooftop shooter. The outdoor venue, the report stated, created substantial security challenges that were not properly addressed in the planning process. This process lacked a documented line-of-sight assessment, a pre-event briefing, or a walk-through involving security stakeholders. Additionally, coordination with Kirk's private security team and external law enforcement partners was not clearly established.