Report finds many security deficiencies at Utah university where Charlie Kirk was killed

OREM, Utah — A new report released Friday by Utah Valley University details security shortcomings surrounding the assassination of Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk on campus in September 2025. The after-action review examined planning discussions between the conservative firebrand's organization and university officials, as well as the university's response to the incident.

Key findings revealed that university officials did not conduct a formal security assessment or create a written event action plan for the outdoor talk. Instead, they deferred critical decision-making to Turning Point USA. The report states that Kirk's request to speak outdoors created significant protective operations considerations, yet the planning process lacked essential components like a line-of-sight assessment and pre-event briefing with security stakeholders.

Additionally, there was insufficient coordination between university security teams and external law enforcement partners.