Utah Valley University has released a 158-page independent report detailing security failures that preceded the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on campus last year. The review, conducted by the Lake Forest Group and commissioned by the university, identified ten key findings regarding the events of September 10, 2025, when Kirk was shot and killed during a public speaking event in the school's central courtyard.
The report concluded that no individual at UVU acted in bad faith or with willful and wanton disregard for safety. However, it found that the university's application of its own security policies was significantly inconsistent. Reviewers determined that security measures were insufficient for a high-profile outdoor event and noted that no university police officer was assigned to monitor campus security cameras. The findings also recommended reevaluating staffing levels and training in light of the university's size and risk profile.
A central point of contention in the report concerns rooftop access above the speaking area. On September 8, two days before the event, TPUSA organizers raised concerns about this access. According to the review, UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long texted TPUSA security supervisor Dan Flood, stating, "We got you covered." The report specifies that this message referred to the Hall of Flags outdoor pedestrian walkway. This interpretation conflicts with the Kirk family's legal filing, which identified the Sorensen Center rooftop as the primary area of concern.
The timeline established by the report highlights several decision points in the lead-up to the shooting. On August 25, the outdoor courtyard remained the chosen venue despite internal concerns about control. Two days later, the event was approved without a documented security assessment plan. The first direct security coordination between campus police and TPUSA security did not occur until September 3. Although TPUSA security never met with university police in person, Chief Long and Flood exchanged texts on September 10 regarding individuals on the Hall of Flags walkway and the Fountain Courtyard.
The Hall of Flags walkway, located directly above where Kirk spoke, was closed for the event. Prosecutors allege that accused assassin Tyler Robinson fired the fatal shot from atop the Losee Center building, which is situated to the northeast of the courtyard. The Sorenson Center is located to the north. The report notes that while universities have systems to identify internal threats following the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, those measures did not apply to Kirk because Robinson had no connection to the school.
Brett Parkinson, attorney for the Kirk family, stated that UVU security was understaffed and unprepared for the obvious risks of the event. "UVU hosted this event, and in doing so, assumed responsibility for the safety of all in attendance, including Charlie," Parkinson said. He added that justice requires accountability for what he described as fatal shortcomings.
University President Jon Anderson stated that September 10 will remain part of UVU's history but will not define its future. Anderson emphasized the need for humility and an honest examination of policies to follow through on the report's recommendations. A university spokesperson indicated there would be no further comment beyond Anderson's statement.