- Utah Valley University starts independent security review after Charlie Kirk's Sept. 10 shooting.
- The review aims to improve campus safety and preparedness for future gatherings.
- Utah lawmakers express interest in findings to guide future legislative actions.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Valley University officials have initiated what they call a comprehensive and independent review in response to the on-campus assassination of Charlie Kirk.
On Sept. 10, the Turning Point USA co-founder was speaking at the organization's "America's Comeback Tour" at UVU when he was shot and killed. The speaking engagement was set up in an outdoor space on the campus, and the shooter is believed to have been lying in wait on a nearby rooftop.
The university previously said six police officers were on duty, monitoring the Kirk event on the day he was shot. There were also members of Kirk's security team, as well as plainclothes officers.
However, bags brought to the event by students and others weren't checked, according to attendees who spoke with KSL and ABC News. Nearby rooftops were also not checked, as far as they could tell.
"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," said Astrid S. Tuminez, UVU president. "We will integrate the findings into our efforts to strengthen and improve safety practices for UVU and all of Utah higher education."
The school has declined to say which firm has been retained by the school to complete the security review pending the ongoing investigation, but Utah lawmakers said last week they're interested in learning from its results.
For them, the security review will help them understand what needs to be done next, after a proposal in the 2025 legislative session was removed from a high-profile bill.
UVU leadership issued a statement Monday afternoon.
Senate President Stuart Adams shared his support for the security review with KSL NewsRadio.
"Utah has a tradition of responding with integrity, strength and unwavering resolve," he said. "We support Utah Valley University's decision to initiate an independent review through an external organization."
Related:
GOP lawmakers push for Charlie Kirk memorial on UVU campus; some students oppose move
Following the killing of Charlie Kirk, a group of GOP Utah lawmakers has organized a fundraiser in hopes of building a memorial for Kirk on Utah Valley University's campus.
