Utah University Failed to Conduct Security Assessment Before Charlie Kirk Assassination, Report Finds

Utah Valley University failed to conduct a formal security assessment and create a written event action plan for the outdoor speech by Charlie Kirk, whose assassination on campus last year was preceded by security concerns from university officials, according to an external review released Friday.

The report found that critical decision-making regarding the event was deferred to Turning Point USA, the organization led by Kirk, which scheduled his appearances on college campuses across the U.S. The university's president, Jon Anderson, stated that the school has a responsibility to "learn from the findings of this review, and follow through on its recommendations."

Kirk, 31, was killed on Sept. 10, 2025, by a sniper on a rooftop positioned over 400 feet away, authorities said. The conservative activist had been debating students before a crowd of thousands in an outdoor courtyard surrounded by tall buildings and elevated walkways. His appearances often attracted protests, which complicated security efforts.

Tyler Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder in Kirk's killing. Prosecutors allege Robinson wrote in a text message about Kirk, "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out." No trial date has been set.

Kirk's death occurred during a period of heightened political violence in the United States. The report's findings echo concerns raised by Kirk's family, who announced a wrongful death notice last week, a precursor to a potential lawsuit. The notice accuses Utah Valley officials of "reckless decisions" that hastened Kirk's death, including failing to conduct an adequate risk assessment, establish a secure perimeter, and ensure immediate first responder availability. Kirk was transported to a hospital in a private vehicle rather than an ambulance.

According to the report, some university officials had expressed reservations in an August 2025 meeting about holding the event in an outdoor space bordered by tall buildings, suggesting indoor or more controlled venues. However, a Turning Point USA representative insisted on the courtyard location. The report concluded that these decisions were "consequential."

Turning Point USA did not respond to multiple requests to participate in the review, according to the report. The organization deferred comment to the statement from Kirk's family lawyer, Brett Parkinson, who stated that the report reaffirms the allegations and that "Justice for Charlie and his family requires true accountability for UVU’s fatal shortcomings that day."

The report identified significant protective operations considerations due to the event location, yet the planning process lacked a documented line-of-sight assessment, a pre-event briefing, or a walk-through with security stakeholders. There was also a failure to establish clear coordination with Kirk's private security team and external law enforcement partners.

An Associated Press review last year revealed that the campus did not implement standard public safety practices common at similar events. Campus police did not utilize drones for rooftop monitoring or coordinate with local law enforcement for the event, which drew approximately 3,000 attendees. Bag checks and metal detectors were also absent.

The university's police chief's attempt to arrange a meeting with Turning Point's security supervisor a few hours before the event did not materialize, the report noted.

The review presents nearly 150 recommendations, including the hiring of a police sergeant dedicated to campus events and the establishment of clear criteria for moving events indoors or to more manageable venues. Anderson indicated that the university has already made "meaningful progress in strengthening campus safety over the past year," citing the hiring of a chief public safety officer and additional campus police officers. At the time of the shooting, the university's police force of 13 sworn officers was deemed insufficient for its size and the nature of events held on campus.