The family of Charlie Kirk is signaling intent to sue Utah Valley University, alleging that a series of stunning failures and reckless decisions led to the activist's assassination on campus last year, according to a report published September 18.
Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at an outdoor event in Orem, Utah. Authorities stated the gunman fired from the rooftop of a campus building while Kirk addressed a crowd of approximately 3,000 people.
A notice of wrongful death and survivor claims dated Sept. 9, addressed to the Utah Office of the Attorney General, alleges that the university failed to conduct a meaningful risk assessment before approving the outdoor location. The notice claims the university did not dedicate sufficient security resources and failed to monitor the event in real time.
According to the notice, the university allegedly ignored a tip from Turning Point USA regarding student access to campus rooftops prior to the event. The notice states that when an official from the organization asked if rooftop access could be controlled, UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long responded, "I got you covered."
The prospective defendants named in the claim include Utah Valley University, the State of Utah, the Utah Valley University Police Department, Chief Long, and former UVU president Astrid Tuminez. The prospective plaintiffs include the Kirk estate, his wife Erika Kirk, and their two children.
During the criminal prosecution of the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, surveillance footage showed an individual running across the roof of the Losee Center for Student Success toward what an officer described as a sniper's pad. Prosecutors stated the shooter fired from the roof of the Losee Center, approximately 415 feet from where Kirk was speaking.
In the wake of the shooting, UVU announced it would initiate a comprehensive independent review to gain insights into how college campuses can improve preparedness. Former president Astrid Tuminez stated the findings would be integrated into efforts to strengthen safety practices for UVU and Utah higher education.
