The family of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has accused Utah Valley University (UVU) and state officials of severe security lapses that contributed to his assassination in September 2025. In a legal notice filed on September 9, attorneys alleged that “stunning failures and reckless decisions” turned the campus event into a deadly trap.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed by a gunman positioned on a nearby rooftop while addressing thousands of supporters at UVU. The legal filing identifies the university, local law enforcement, and state entities as parties who allegedly knew of threats against Kirk but failed to implement adequate protections.
Attorney D Loren Washburn described the security setup as placing Kirk in a “fishbowl,” noting that an outdoor quad surrounded by tall buildings and elevated platforms created a foreseeable danger. The family argues that UVU did not conduct a meaningful security assessment, failed to assign sufficient police officers, and did not have an ambulance present. Additionally, they claim warnings about securing surrounding rooftops were ignored.
The filing specifically highlighted the risk of rooftop attackers, referencing the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump by a rooftop shooter the previous year. Trump was identified as a close friend and political ally of Kirk.
UVU acknowledged receipt of the claim in a statement shared with CBS News, saying it addresses legal matters consistent with established processes and remains focused on supporting the campus community. The university declined to comment further on the allegations.
The legal notice is considered a precursor to a potential lawsuit. Meanwhile, Tyler Robinson, a 23-year-old Utah resident accused of shooting Kirk from a roof, is scheduled to appear in court next month for a trial date hearing. Robinson denies charges of aggravated murder and six other counts. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty.
Thirty-one years old. Absolutely tragic and unnecessary if security had been taken seriously.
Wait, is this actually confirmed or just the family’s opening legal move? Skeptical.
If they ignored rooftop warnings after the Trump incident, how can officials claim ignorance now?
A fishbowl setup on a campus? This sounds like gross negligence, not just bad luck.