Utah Valley University Report Details Security Failures in Charlie Kirk Assassination
An independent review commissioned by the university identified significant inconsistencies in policy application, insufficient security for the outdoor event, and a lack of camera monitoring.
Utah Valley University (UVU) has released a 158-page report detailing security shortcomings that preceded the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on campus last year. The independent review, conducted by the Lake Forest Group, concluded that while no one acted in bad faith, UVU's security measures were insufficient for the high-profile outdoor event and that policies were inconsistently applied.
The report identified 10 key findings aimed at improving future event security. Among these, reviewers noted that the university police department lacked an individual assigned to monitor campus security cameras. Additionally, the report recommended reevaluating staffing levels and training to align with the university's size and potential risks.
According to the report, concerns about the outdoor courtyard location persisted despite officials' ability to control it. The event was approved without a documented security assessment plan. The first direct security coordination between campus police and TPUSA security occurred only a week before Kirk's speech.
On September 8, 2025, TPUSA organizers expressed concerns about rooftop access. The report states that UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long texted TPUSA security supervisor Dan Flood, "We got you covered." However, the review claims this text referred to a pedestrian walkway and not the potential threat from above.
Prosecutors allege that the accused assassin, Tyler Robinson, climbed onto the Losee Center building and fired the fatal shot from the rooftop. This location is northeast of the courtyard where Kirk was speaking. The report notes that while the Hall of Flags walkway, directly above the speaking area, was closed, TPUSA security never met in person with university police.
The Kirk family's legal filing alleges that UVU knew of the rooftop security risks prior to the assassination and claims the university's security was inadequate. The family's attorney stated that UVU leadership and law enforcement are accountable for the "fatal shortcomings" on the day of the event.
UVU President Jon Anderson acknowledged the event as part of the university's history but stated it would not define its future. He committed to learning from the report's findings and implementing its recommendations to ensure community safety and uphold free speech principles.