Utah Valley University has published a 158-page independent review into the security circumstances surrounding the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on campus in September 2025. Conducted by the Lake Forest Group at the university's commission, the report identifies ten key findings and concludes that no UVU employee acted in bad faith or willful disregard for safety, despite significant inconsistencies in policy application.
The review determines that security measures were insufficient for a high-profile outdoor event and that no university police officer was assigned to monitor campus security cameras. The Lake Forest Group recommends that UVU reevaluate staffing levels and training protocols to better match the institution's size and risk profile.
A central point of contention involves communications regarding rooftop access. On September 8, 2025, TPUSA organizers raised concerns about access to the area above where Kirk was scheduled to speak. The report states that UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long texted TPUSA security supervisor Dan Flood, saying, "We got you covered," which the reviewers interpret as referring specifically to the Hall of Flags outdoor pedestrian walkway. This interpretation conflicts with the Kirk family's notice of claim filed last week, which identified the Sorensen Center rooftop as the primary area of concern rather than the Hall of Flags walkway.
The timeline outlined in the report highlights several decision points between August 25 and September 10, 2025. On August 25, officials maintained the outdoor courtyard as the venue despite internal concerns about controlling the space. Two days later, the event was approved without a documented security assessment plan. The first direct security coordination between campus police and TPUSA did not occur until September 3, one week prior to the event. Although the Hall of Flags walkway was closed for the event, TPUSA security never met with university police in person on September 10.
Prosecutors allege that accused assassin Tyler Robinson climbed atop the Losee Center building, located to the northeast of the courtyard, to fire the fatal shot. The Hall of Flags walkway is situated directly above Kirk's speaking position, while the Sorenson Center is to the north. The report notes that while universities have systems in place since the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting to identify internal threats, these measures were not applicable because Robinson had no connection to UVU.
Brett Parkinson, attorney for the Kirk family, stated that UVU security was "woefully understaffed and unprepared" to manage the risks associated with the event. Parkinson argued that responsibility for the failure rested with university leadership and law enforcement, asserting that achieving justice requires holding UVU accountable for its fatal shortcomings.
In a statement released on behalf of UVU President Jon Anderson, a university spokesperson said September 10 will remain part of UVU's history but will not define its future. Anderson stated that the university's responsibility is to care for its community, learn from the review's findings, and follow through on its recommendations through an honest examination of its policies.