Review finds security lapses at Utah campus where Charlie Kirk was killed

An independent review has identified a series of security shortcomings at Utah Valley University (UVU) where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead on 10 September 2025.

The report, published by UVU, says the university did not carry out a proper written security assessment nor prepare an event action plan, leaving key decisions to Kirk’s organisation Turning Point USA. It adds that Kirk’s aides insisted on an outdoor courtyard venue, overruling security concerns raised by university officials.

University officials had warned in August 2025 that the courtyard, surrounded by tall buildings, posed risks and suggested indoor alternatives. A Turning Point representative rejected these suggestions, preferring the familiar courtyard location.

The review notes that no line‑of‑sight assessment was documented and that coordination between campus police and Kirk’s private security was inadequate. A planned meeting between the university police chief and Turning Point security did not take place, and a joint security briefing and walk‑through were omitted.

While the reviewers concluded that no university employee acted in bad faith, they highlighted “significant protective operations considerations” that were ignored. The report makes several recommendations to improve security for major campus events.

UVU President Jon Anderson said the university must learn from the findings and implement the recommendations. Kirk’s family, who have filed a wrongful‑death notice, said the report backs their concerns about the university’s handling of the event.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Abdelrahman Lela / Pexels.