Utah university review identifies security failures before Charlie Kirk shooting
An independent review by Utah Valley University found that the institution did not conduct a formal security assessment or create a written event plan before Charlie Kirk was shot at a 2025 campus event. The report also cited weak coordination and concerns over an outdoor venue with nearby tall buildings.
An external review by Utah Valley University has identified multiple security deficiencies in planning for the campus event at which Charlie Kirk was killed, according to ABC News US. The after-action report examined security procedures surrounding Kirk’s September 10, 2025, talk at the university’s Orem campus and the institution’s response to the shooting. The university said investigators reviewed planning discussions between officials and Turning Point USA, the organisation with which Kirk was associated.
The report found that the university had not conducted a formal security assessment, prepared a written event action plan or maintained full control over important decisions. Instead, it said critical decisions were deferred to Turning Point USA. According to the review, a Turning Point representative insisted during an August 2025 planning meeting that Kirk speak at an outdoor courtyard.
The representative reportedly cited Kirk’s previous appearance there and the organisation’s familiarity with the location. Some university officials raised concerns about holding the event outdoors, particularly because tall buildings surrounded the area. The review concluded that allowing the event to proceed in that setting had significant consequences for protective operations.
Investigators said the planning process did not include a documented assessment of lines of sight, a pre-event security briefing or a walk-through involving relevant security stakeholders. The report also found that coordination with Kirk’s private security team and outside law-enforcement partners was unclear. The findings focus on the planning and security arrangements described in the university’s review.
The supplied material does not detail any recommendations, disciplinary measures or further investigations resulting from the report.
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