Kirk family files wrongful-death claim against Utah Valley University over 2025 campus shooting
The widow and children of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk have filed a notice of claim alleging that Utah Valley University and state officials failed to secure a rooftop, leading to his fatal shooting on campus.
The family of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, submitted a notice of claim on Sept. 9 alleging wrongful death and a constitutional "state-created danger" claim against Utah Valley University (UVU), the state of Utah and several university officials. The filing contends that UVU failed to implement adequate security measures for Kirk’s appearance on Sept. 10, 2025, when a shooter fired from the rooftop of the Losee Center, killing the 31-year-old speaker.
According to the claim, TPUSA organizers warned UVU police chief Jeffrey Long that students had reported unrestricted rooftop access near the Sorenson Center, which was close to Kirk’s speaking location. The filing cites an exchange in which the organizers requested controlled access or police presence, to which Long allegedly responded, "I got you covered." The claim asserts that UVU did not secure the rooftop, did not conduct a risk assessment, and allocated only six campus officers—about 25% of its force—despite an audience of roughly 3,000 people.
Brett Parkinson, counsel for the Kirk family, said the murder was "entirely preventable" and that the university’s actions "robbed Charlie Kirk of his life" and his family of a husband, father and brother. The notice also alleges that chief Long’s request for additional officers was denied by former UVU president Astrid Tuminez and that no assistance was sought from nearby police departments.
The filing does not specify a monetary amount but seeks accountability for what it describes as a series of security lapses, including the lack of a written security plan, insufficient real-time monitoring of campus cameras, and failure to use barriers or metal detectors that are standard at large events. The claim names Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, their two minor children and, potentially, his parents as prospective plaintiffs.
The alleged shooter, 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, has pleaded not guilty. The case remains pending as the Kirk family pursues civil liability against the university and state officials.