The family of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has filed a legal notice alleging Utah Valley University (UVU) and campus police failed to address known rooftop security risks before his assassination on September 10, 2025. The notice, submitted one day before the first anniversary of Kirk’s death, marks the first formal step toward a potential wrongful death lawsuit.
Kirk’s family accuses UVU of ‘stunning failures’ in security planning ahead of the outdoor event where he was fatally shot by a sniper from more than 400 feet away. The notice, obtained by multiple outlets, cites a lack of standard safety measures, including no drone surveillance, no bag checks, no metal detectors, and inadequate campus police staffing for an event attended by approximately 3,000 people.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Legal notice filed one year after shooting
The notice of claim, dated September 9, 2025, was submitted to the Utah Office of the Attorney General as required under state law before filing a lawsuit. It names UVU, its former president Astrid Tuminez, campus police Chief Jeffrey Long, and the state of Utah as defendants. The filing preserves the family’s right to pursue legal action while outlining alleged lapses in security planning.
Alleged warnings about rooftop access ignored
According to the notice, Turning Point USA organizers warned UVU police about rooftop access to the Sorenson Center, a building near the event stage. Organizers reportedly requested controlled access to the roof, to which Chief Long responded, “I got you covered.” Kirk was shot from the rooftop of the nearby Losee Center during the event.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Security measures absent despite known risks
An Associated Press review conducted after the shooting found UVU did not implement several standard safety protocols for large public events. These included:
- No drone monitoring of rooftops
- No coordination with local law enforcement for security planning
- No bag checks or metal detectors
- Campus police staffing below recommended levels for a university of UVU’s size
The family’s legal filing argues that the risk of a rooftop shooter should have been “especially top-of-mind” given the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump by a rooftop shooter in 2024, as well as other recent incidents of political violence.
Legal and political implications
Potential lawsuit targets multiple entities
The notice seeks damages for Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, and their two children, with potential claims from his parents. Legal experts note the filing introduces a “state-created danger” claim under the U.S. Constitution, arguing that UVU and state officials created an unreasonable risk of harm.
University and police have not publicly responded
The Utah Attorney General’s Office declined to comment, citing pending litigation. UVU has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations. The AP attempted to reach university officials for comment but received no response.
Background: The assassination and ongoing investigation
Shooting details and suspect’s status
Kirk, co-founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, was shot during an outdoor debate at UVU’s campus in Orem, Utah. The alleged gunman, 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, faces murder charges with the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. Robinson pleaded not guilty at his arraignment nearly a year after the shooting.
The event was part of Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour,” described in the legal notice as occurring against a “well-known backdrop of risk.” The notice cites multiple high-profile incidents of political violence in recent years, including the 2024 Trump assassination attempt, the 2025 murder of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, and the 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi.
Key questions remain unanswered
- Whether UVU officials were aware of the rooftop access risks prior to the event
- Why standard security measures were not implemented despite prior warnings
- The full extent of coordination (or lack thereof) between UVU police and local law enforcement
- The legal and financial ramifications of the potential lawsuit for UVU and the state