Kirk Family Takes First Step Toward Wrongful Death Lawsuit
11 hours ago
Charlie Kirk’s family is taking the first legal step toward a wrongful death lawsuit against Utah Valley University and the state of Utah, alleging security failures contributed to his assassination on campus last year.
Attorneys representing Kirk’s family filed a notice of claim dated Sept. 9 with the Utah Attorney General’s Office. The filing is not yet a lawsuit, but preserves the family’s ability to pursue legal action against the public university and other government entities.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist, was shot and killed while speaking before a crowd of roughly 3,000 people at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025. Authorities say the fatal shot was fired from the rooftop of a nearby campus building.
The family’s filing alleges a series of security failures involving the university, its police department and state officials. Among the allegations are inadequate staffing, the absence of a comprehensive written security plan and a failure to adequately secure or monitor rooftops surrounding the event.
Attorneys say only six Utah Valley University police officers were assigned to an event attended by thousands of people, with no additional local law enforcement brought in to assist. The filing also alleges there were no metal detectors, physical security barriers or drones monitoring nearby rooftops.
The family says rooftop security had been raised as a concern before Kirk took the stage. According to the notice, a Turning Point USA representative contacted UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long after receiving information that students could access the roof of a building near the event. Long responded that security had the concern covered. The shot that killed Kirk was ultimately fired from a different campus rooftop.
The notice argues that the danger of a rooftop attack should have received particular attention following other recent incidents of political violence, including the 2024 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Kirk’s family alleges reasonable security precautions could have prevented his death. Those allegations have not been proven in court.
Utah Valley University previously commissioned an independent review of the shooting and its security response, saying the findings would be used to strengthen campus safety and preparedness. That review has not yet been publicly released.
Tyler Robinson, 23, has been charged with aggravated murder and other offenses in Kirk’s killing. He has pleaded not guilty, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
The notice of claim names Utah Valley Unive
Attorneys representing Kirk’s family filed a notice of claim dated Sept. 9 with the Utah Attorney General’s Office. The filing is not yet a lawsuit, but preserves the family’s ability to pursue legal action against the public university and other government entities.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist, was shot and killed while speaking before a crowd of roughly 3,000 people at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025. Authorities say the fatal shot was fired from the rooftop of a nearby campus building.
The family’s filing alleges a series of security failures involving the university, its police department and state officials. Among the allegations are inadequate staffing, the absence of a comprehensive written security plan and a failure to adequately secure or monitor rooftops surrounding the event.
Attorneys say only six Utah Valley University police officers were assigned to an event attended by thousands of people, with no additional local law enforcement brought in to assist. The filing also alleges there were no metal detectors, physical security barriers or drones monitoring nearby rooftops.
The family says rooftop security had been raised as a concern before Kirk took the stage. According to the notice, a Turning Point USA representative contacted UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long after receiving information that students could access the roof of a building near the event. Long responded that security had the concern covered. The shot that killed Kirk was ultimately fired from a different campus rooftop.
The notice argues that the danger of a rooftop attack should have received particular attention following other recent incidents of political violence, including the 2024 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Kirk’s family alleges reasonable security precautions could have prevented his death. Those allegations have not been proven in court.
Utah Valley University previously commissioned an independent review of the shooting and its security response, saying the findings would be used to strengthen campus safety and preparedness. That review has not yet been publicly released.
Tyler Robinson, 23, has been charged with aggravated murder and other offenses in Kirk’s killing. He has pleaded not guilty, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
The notice of claim names Utah Valley Unive
