An independent review by Utah Valley University says Turning Point USA insisted Charlie Kirk’s Sept. 10, 2025, campus event be held outdoors despite security concerns. It found no formal risk assessment or written event plan; Kirk was killed during the event.
At an August 2025 planning meeting, a Turning Point representative argued for the courtyard because Kirk had spoken there before and the organization knew the location. University officials raised concerns about the surrounding tall buildings but ultimately allowed the event. The review found no documented line-of-sight assessment, pre-event briefing or security walk-through, and no clear coordination with Kirk’s private security or outside law enforcement.
An Associated Press review separately found campus police staffing far below recommended levels for a school of Utah Valley University’s size. Police did not fly a drone to monitor rooftops, and the event, attended by about 3,000 people, had no bag checks or metal detectors. Kirk’s family sent Utah officials a wrongful-death notice alleging university decisions left him vulnerable to the shooter. Tyler Robinson has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder; a judge ordered the case to proceed toward trial, but no date has been set.
