An independent Utah Valley University review says officials warned Turning Point USA weeks before Charlie Kirk was killed that an outdoor campus rally posed security risks, but TPUSA insisted on the Fountain Courtyard venue and the event went ahead.
The 158-page review says UVU offered the Fulton Library Quad or indoor venues and suggested using its ticketing system to track expected attendance. It says TPUSA representative Maycee Crofts cited Kirk’s prior appearance at the courtyard and the group’s preference to manage ticketing through its Phoenix office. Police Chief Jeff Long texted Kirk’s private security adviser about safety measures hours before the rally, but the planned meeting did not occur.
The reviewers said UVU should have retained control over venue selection, ticketing and access, citing risks including open access, crowd management and high-ground vulnerabilities. Family attorney Brett Parkinson, who is handling a wrongful-death lawsuit against UVU, disputed the report’s conclusions and said the university and law enforcement were responsible for attendee safety. President Jon Anderson said some recommendations align with changes already completed or underway and pledged to follow through on the findings.
