Utah Valley University has released a 158-page report detailing security failures surrounding the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The independent review, conducted by the Lake Forest Group and commissioned by the school, concluded that UVU’s application of its own policies was significantly inconsistent and that security was insufficient for a high-profile outdoor event. The report identified ten key findings aimed at improving future event security but stated that no one at the university acted in bad faith or with willful disregard for safety.
The review found that no one in the university police department was assigned to monitor campus security cameras. Reviewers recommended reevaluating staffing levels and training given the university's size and risk profile. A central concern in the report is that established systems for identifying internal threats, such as those developed after the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, were not applicable because accused assassin Tyler Robinson had no connection to the school.
The report outlines a timeline of events between July 10 and September 9, 2025, identifying key decision points in the weeks leading up to Kirk's death on September 10. On August 25, UVU officials expressed concerns about controlling the outdoor courtyard venue, yet the location remained approved. Two days later, the event was approved without a documented security assessment plan. Campus police and TPUSA security held their first direct coordination on September 3, one week before the event.
On September 8, TPUSA organizers raised concerns about rooftop access above Kirk's speaking area. The report states that UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long texted TPUSA security supervisor Dan Flood, saying "We got you covered." The review asserts this message referred to the Hall of Flags outdoor pedestrian walkway. However, this account differs from the Kirk family's notice of claim filed last week, which identified the Sorensen Center rooftop as the area of concern. The Hall of Flags walkway is directly above where Kirk was speaking, while the Sorensen Center is to the north and the Losee Center is to the northeast.
Prosecutors allege that Robinson climbed atop the Losee Center building to take the fatal shot. Although TPUSA security arrived on campus on September 10 and communicated with Chief Long via text regarding individuals on the Hall of Flags walkway and the Fountain Courtyard, TPUSA security never met with university police face-to-face. The Hall of Flags walkway was closed for the event.
Brett Parkinson, attorney for the Kirk family, stated in a comment to Fox News Digital that UVU security was woefully understaffed and unprepared for the risks involved. Parkinson argued that responsibility for the incident fell squarely on university leadership and law enforcement, asserting that accountability is necessary for the fatal shortcomings that occurred. A university spokesperson told Fox News that the school has no further comment beyond a statement from President Dr. Jon Anderson. Anderson said September 10 will be part of UVU's history but will not define its future, emphasizing a commitment to learn from the review's findings and act on its recommendations.