Utah Valley University to review campus security after Kirk shooting
Utah Valley University (UVU) announced that it will commission an self-reliant, third-party review of its campus security measures following the politically motivated assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an outdoor event on campus in Orem, Utah. The shooting raised concerns about the level of security, as only six campus police officers were present despite a crowd of about 3,000. UVU President Astrid Tuminez emphasized that the review’s findings will help improve campus safety across Utah’s higher education institutions.
Additionally,UVU has established a committee comprising students,politicians,and other stakeholders to create a permanent memorial honoring Kirk’s life and legacy. This follows a temporary makeshift memorial that was set up shortly after Kirk’s death. Other efforts to commemorate Kirk include plans at the New College of Florida to erect a statue and legislation in Oklahoma requiring state colleges to honor him.
Kirk’s memorial service, held by Turning Point USA, was attended by numerous high-profile figures including former President Donald Trump, vice President JD Vance, and various government officials, drawing a crowd of roughly 90,000 to 100,000 people, marking it as one of the largest public funerals in recent U.S.history. meanwhile,Republicans in Congress and in Texas are advocating for statues of Kirk at the national and state levels.
Utah Valley University to review campus security and create memorial after Kirk shooting
Utah Valley University announced on Monday that an external organization will conduct an independent review of campus security measures in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death. It also revealed plans to create a memorial for the late conservative activist.
The campus in Orem, Utah, was the site of Kirk’s assassination. The shooting was believed to be politically motivated after the suspected gunman said he killed the Turning Point USA co-founder because he “spreads too much hate.”
Facing scrutiny over the lack of security at Kirk’s outdoor event on Sept. 10, UVU acknowledged the need for an investigation to correct those oversights.
“We believe the findings of the comprehensive, third-party independent review of this targeted act of violence will offer valuable insights on how college campuses improve response and preparedness moving forward,” UVU President Astrid Tuminez said. “We will integrate the findings into our efforts to strengthen and improve safety practices for UVU and all of Utah higher education.”
The university did not publicly provide details on the third party conducting the review or when the review’s findings will be released.
Generally, Kirk hosted events that were well-staffed by law enforcement. In contrast, UVU Police Department Chief Jeff Long said only six campus police officers worked the event, which had a crowd of about 3,000 people.
“You try to get your bases covered, and unfortunately, today we didn’t,” Long said the day of the assassination.
The suspected gunman, identified as Tyler Robinson, fired a single gunshot that killed Kirk from a building rooftop about 200 yards away. The department hasn’t said whether nearby rooftops were inspected.
Separately, UVU said it established a committee to create a memorial to honor Kirk’s life and legacy. The committee will consist of students, politicians, and other key stakeholders in UVU.
“As we support our community in the days ahead, we are committed and dedicated to creating a memorial,” UVU Board of Trustees Chairman Scott Smith said. “We will coordinate with state and local officials, the family of Charlie Kirk, the wider community, the Utah Board of Higher Education, UVU’s Board of Trustees, and our students to develop an appropriate long-term plan.”
Shortly after Kirk’s death, a makeshift memorial for students and community members to place flowers and messages was set up. The newly proposed memorial will be more permanent.
The New College of Florida is also working to erect a statue for Kirk, and Oklahoma is using legislation to require all state colleges to establish statues honoring the late conservative figure.
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Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are leading efforts to authorize a statue of Kirk in the Capitol. Texas Republicans in the state legislature are also leading a similar push.
UVU’s announcements come one day after Turning Point USA held Kirk’s memorial service, attended by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet secretaries, and other administration officials. About 90,000 to 100,000 people attended the service, making it one of the largest public funerals in the nation, the likes of which haven’t been seen since the deaths of former President John F. Kennedy and civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.
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