Records reveal last minute changes for Turning Point USA event at Utah State after Charlie Kirk’s death

LOGAN — Newly released public records show Utah State University officials made last‑minute changes to host a Turning Point USA event just weeks after a deadly shooting at Utah Valley University that involved the group’s founder. The event was part of Charlie Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” and took place at USU in late September, roughly 20 days after Kirk was shot and killed at UVU. Records show that, despite initial assumptions by school officials that the Logan stop would be canceled, the event moved forward — even in Kirk’s absence — with expanded security and a change in venue. Nearly 400 pages of emails, contracts and internal communications were released by USU on Friday in response to a public records request submitted by KSL Investigators back in September. The documents offer a behind‑the‑scenes look at how administrators and campus police prepared for the politically charged event amid heightened safety concerns. Emails show USU officials were already paying close attention to the tour earlier in the month. On Sept. 10, several USU administrators were present at the UVU event, according to the records, as they observed planning and security considerations ahead of a student-planned event hosting Turning Point USA on its own campus. “We're going to do some research and go to his event at UVU just to get an idea of what our scope will need to be,” USU Police Lt. Erik Christensen wrote on Sept. 4. The next day, event coordinator Chynna Lagerholm shared similar plans, writing, “Our team is also planning to attend the UVU event next week to make sure we’re prepared to provide the best support for this event. … We'll just be attending as members of the public.” USU confirmed last fall that several school employees attended the UVU event where Kirk was shot and killed. After news of the shooting at UVU, some USU officials assumed the Logan event would be called off. In one message included in the records, a university employee wrote, “I don’t know if your client has contacted you about any changes for this event or not with the speaker for the event being shot and killed at UVU yesterday. I am assuming that this event has been cancelled.” But the event moved forward with changes to the original plan. Records show the event was moved to a larger venue on campus and that additional security measures were put in place. An executed contract included in the release indicates that Turning Point USA agreed to assume full liability for the safety of event attendees. The agreement outlines responsibilities related to security and crowd management, reflecting the increased concerns following the earlier incident. “Client agrees to be fully responsible and liable for the security and safety of Event attendees,” the contract stated. “Client understands and agrees that any security plans implemented by USU relating to the Event are provided to secure USU’s campus and students generally. USU specifically disclaims any and all liability associated with the Event.” In an email to the KSL Investigators on Monday, a university spokesperson said the Utah Board of Higher Education established a campus safety task force in October to review existing protocols and recommend improvements. In the meantime, the spokesperson said the university would not be participating in interviews. Turning Point USA is a conservative nonprofit organization that frequently hosts events on college campuses nationwide. Its appearances have drawn protests, counter‑demonstrations and heightened security planning. Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder in Kirk’s death and faces a potential death sentence if convicted.  Have you experienced something you think just isn’t right? The KSL Investigators want to help. Submit your tip atinvestigates@ksl.comor 385-707-6153 so we can get working for you.

This story was adapted from a TV broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL's editorial standards are upheld.This story has been updated to reflect that the Utah State Board of Education established the safety task force, not USU.

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