{"id":2670781,"date":"2026-09-26T15:18:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T19:18:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/utm_sourcerssutm_mediumrssutm_campaignreview-finds-serious-security-flaws-on-the-utah-campus-where-charlie-kirk-was-murdered\/"},"modified":"2026-09-26T15:26:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T19:26:30","slug":"utm_sourcerssutm_mediumrssutm_campaignreview-finds-serious-security-flaws-on-the-utah-campus-where-charlie-kirk-was-murdered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/utm_sourcerssutm_mediumrssutm_campaignreview-finds-serious-security-flaws-on-the-utah-campus-where-charlie-kirk-was-murdered\/","title":{"rendered":"Report: Serious Security Flaws On Campus Where Kirk Was Killed"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Futm_sourcerssutm_mediumrssutm_campaignreview-finds-serious-security-flaws-on-the-utah-campus-where-charlie-kirk-was-murdered%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2670781&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>An independent review of Utah valley University\u2019s security measures prior to and during teh event where Charlie Kirk was assassinated highlights notable failures and security gaps. The 157-page report, conducted by the Lake Forest Group, found no evidence of malicious intent by UVU staff but identified issues such as inadequate staffing, poor planning, and lack of proper use of security technology. The university assigned only a quarter of its police force to guard the event, which was criticized as insufficient, especially given the high-profile nature of the speaker and potential risks. Additionally, there was no real-time monitoring of security footage, and the university lacked a extensive security plan, which contributed to its inability to prevent the attack by Tyler Robinson. The review emphasizes the need for improved staffing, better planning, enhanced technology use, and stronger decision-making authority over security matters. The Kirk family\u2019s attorney called for accountability, asserting that UVU\u2019s shortcomings were responsible for Charlie Kirk\u2019s death. UVU officials acknowledged these issues but stated their commitment to ongoing safety efforts as they reflect on the findings.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Utah Valley University failed on a number of fronts to protect Charlie Kirk from the assassin who took his life at an outdoor event a little over a year ago, according to an independent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvu.edu\/externalreview\/\">review<\/a> released on Friday. <\/p>\n<p>While the 157-page report from the Illinois-based Lake Forest Group found no evidence UVU employees or agents acted in \u201cbad faith or in willing and wanton disregard for the safety of others,\u201d it does reveal serious security \u201cgaps\u201d and a failure of UVU officials to follow their own policies. <\/p>\n<p>The \u201cAfter-Action Report,\u201d according to the Kirk family, reaffirms the facts laid out in the family\u2019s recent <a href=\"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/2026\/09\/16\/notice-a-series-of-stunning-failures-left-charlie-kirk-a-target-for-assassination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">notice<\/a> of impending legal action: The university\u2019s security failures rendered the conservative icon \u201chelpless to the rooftop shooter in an assassination that could have been avoided.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUVU security was woefully understaffed and unprepared to manage the obvious risks associated with an event of this nature,\u201d Kirk family attorney Brett Parkinson said in a statement to The Federalist. \u201cUVU hosted this event, and in doing so, assumed responsibility for the safety of all in attendance, including Charlie.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The university did not respond to The Federalist\u2019s follow-up questions, but UVU President Jon Anderson released a brief <a href=\"https:\/\/utahnewsdispatch.com\/2026\/09\/25\/independent-review-uvu-didnt-act-in-wanton-disregard-charlie-kirk-shooting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">statement.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur commitment does not end with this report,\u201d Anderson said. \u201cIts findings will guide our continued safety efforts as we move forward together with care, civility, and resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>\u2018Staffing Limitations Should be Addressed\u2019<\/h2>\n<p>The report details the day the Turning Point USA founder was murdered in front of some 3,000 spectators, including his wife and young children. It also delves into the preparations for Kirk\u2019s UVU appearance, the first stop on his nationwide tour of college campuses that he billed as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DN3iPAnXqRO\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The American Comeback Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In their notice of claim, the Kirk family notes the university assigned \u201conly six campus police officers,\u201d or a quarter of the full UVU police force to the outdoor event. UVU Police chief Jeff Long, according to the notice, had sought approval from then-university President Astrid Tuminez, but the request was denied.<\/p>\n<p>Originally, police staffing included just three officers \u2014 the chief, a patrol officer, and a reserve officer, according to the review. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter observing the size of the crowd, Chief Long requested that a uniformed UVUPD detective assist, as well as an additional officer and a sergeant,\u201d the review states. Two plainclothes officers from Utah State University were also on hand, but in an observational capacity. The Turning Point USA event was scheduled to take place at Utah State later in the month. <\/p>\n<p>The review notes concerns \u201cregarding UVUPD staffing levels, training, structure, organizational placement, and visibility within the universities\u2019s leadership framework.\u201d It recommends the police department consider whether staffing plans \u201cprovide sufficient fixed-post coverage and mobile response capacity.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>\u201cStaffing limitations should be addressed through advanced planning, mutual aid agreements, and coordination with nearby law enforcement partners or university police agencies,\u201d the report advises. The consultants recommend UVU conduct a formal staffing analysis. <\/p>\n<p>Public safety partners \u2014 including local, state, and federal officers \u2014 responded quickly following the shooting, the review found. But the attack also exposed gaps in mutual aid. UVU had access to myriad outside resources, \u201cbut those resources were not fully integrated into pre-event planning.\u201d <\/p>\n<h2>\u2018In Real-Time\u2019<\/h2>\n<p>Technology, or the failure to use it, was also a problem. On the day of Kirk\u2019s assassination, \u201cno individual had been specifically assigned to monitor relevant camera feeds in real-time for event security purposes,\u201d the report states. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cSimilarly, the broader, physical security technology environment would benefit for more integrated workflows that connect alarms, video, access control, mapping, notification, and dispatch response,\u201d the consultants advise. <\/p>\n<p>The report does note the surveillance system proved valuable after the shooting. Law enforcement officials were able to use the footage to track the suspect and ultimately charge <a href=\"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/2026\/09\/01\/judge-rules-tyler-robinson-will-face-trial-for-assassination-of-charlie-kirk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tyler Robinson,<\/a> Kirk\u2019s alleged assassin. <\/p>\n<p>A review of footage during Robinson\u2019s preliminary hearing showed the shooter \u201crunning across the roof\u201d of the UVU building above the courtyard to a \u201csniper\u2019s nest.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf such footage had been monitored in real-time, Kirk\u2019s tragic death could have been avoided,\u201d the notice of claim asserts, adding that the campus police department could have used drones to secure the rooftops and sprawling venue.\u00a0The review notes that omission as well. <\/p>\n<h2>\u2018The Buck Stopped with UVU\u2019<\/h2>\n<p>More broadly, the review found that university officials lacked a comprehensive written security assessment or an action plan, which would have laid out staffing assignments, post responsibilities, mutual aid resources and several other critical security elements. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cA site-specific coordination meeting involving UVUPD protection detail should have occurred several days before the event to assess vulnerabilities, clarify responsibilities, and determine whether available personnel and resources were sufficient to support the security plan,\u201d the report states. <\/p>\n<p>The report also notes planning flaws with Kirk\u2019s private security team. But the overarching problem was that the university failed to fully take into account the challenges associated with securing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/secret-service-grants-trump-bulletproof-glass-for-rallies-report-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Secret Service grants Trump bulletproof glass for rallies: ... - Washington Examiner\">large-scale outdoor event<\/a> with a \u201chigh-profile speaker\u201d and anticipated protests. It does note that UVU offered alternate locations to hold the event, including interior sites. <\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sltrib.com\/news\/education\/2026\/09\/25\/new-report-utah-valley-university\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">headline<\/a> in Friday\u2019s Salt Lake Tribune declares, \u201cUtah Valley University tried to warn Charlie Kirk\u2019s staff of risks, but team ignored concerns.\u201d The UVU-friendly piece notes that university staff suggested a few weeks before the event that Turning Point move it to a more secure location. \u201cThe organization, though, insisted on having it in the open campus courtyard,\u201d the news outlet asserts. <\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, university officials went ahead with the outdoor plan. It shouldn\u2019t have, according to the review.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUVU should have retained decision-making authority over key security-related issues, including venue selection, ticketing, access control, and other conditions necessary to support campus safety,\u201d the report states.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe buck stopped with UVU leadership and law enforcement,\u201d Parkinson, the Kirk family lawyer, said in the statement. \u201cJustice for Charlie and his family requires true accountability for UVU\u2019s fatal shortcomings that day.\u201d<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>      Matt Kittle is a senior elections correspondent for The Federalist. An award-winning investigative reporter and 30-year veteran of print, broadcast, and online journalism, Kittle previously served as the executive director of Empower Wisconsin.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UVU security failures contributed to Charlie Kirk\u2019s death, report finds<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":656,"featured_media":2670782,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-25-at-8.38.16-PM-1024x575.png","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[4099,4819,8390,3646,22956],"class_list":["post-2670781","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-campus","tag-incident","tag-safety","tag-security","tag-vulnerabilities"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-25-at-8.38.16-PM-1024x575.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2670781","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/656"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2670781"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2670781\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2670790,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2670781\/revisions\/2670790"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2670782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2670781"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2670781"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2670781"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}