Independent review finds security lapses at Utah Valley University during Charlie Kirk shooting
An external review concluded that Utah Valley University failed to conduct proper security assessments and coordination for the event where activist Charlie Kirk was killed, but found no evidence of intentional misconduct.
An independent review commissioned by Utah Valley University identified multiple security shortcomings surrounding the September 10, 2025 shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the Orem campus. The report said the university did not complete a written security assessment or an event action plan, leaving key decisions to Turning Point USA, the activist’s organization.
University officials had raised concerns in August about the courtyard’s proximity to tall buildings and suggested indoor alternatives, but a Turning Point representative insisted on the outdoor venue because it had been used previously. The review noted that no line-of-sight assessment was documented despite “significant protective operations considerations.”
Coordination between campus police and Kirk’s private security was also found lacking. A scheduled meeting between the university police chief and Turning Point security did not occur, and a joint security briefing and walk-through were omitted, which the reviewers said missed an opportunity to identify risks and assign responsibilities.
The analysis did not find that any university employee acted in bad faith or displayed “willful and wanton disregard” for safety. Kirk’s family, which has filed a wrongful-death notice, said the findings support their earlier concerns. Family lawyer Brett Parkinson said, > "The buck stopped with UVU leadership and law enforcement. Justice for Charlie and his family requires true accountability for UVU's fatal shortcomings that day."
UVU President Jon Anderson said the institution must learn from the review and implement its recommendations. The report also referenced prior reports that campus police omitted standard security measures such as rooftop drone monitoring and bag checks for the event.