Charlie Kirk's family files legal notice accusing Utah Valley University of security failures

The family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk has filed a legal notice accusing Utah Valley University and state officials of “stunning failures and reckless decisions” that left him “helpless” before a rooftop sniper, suggesting a forthcoming wrongful death lawsuit.

The 31-year-old cofounder of Turning Point USA was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking to about 3,000 people at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Oman, Utah.

The 23-year-old gunman, Tyler Robinson, allegedly fired from a rooftop around 415 ft away. He has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and could face the death penalty. The notice, dated September 9 and sent to the Utah Attorney General’s Office, alleges the university failed to conduct a meaningful risk assessment, had no written security plan or briefing, and assigned only six campus police officers to the event.

It also claims officials didn’t use drones, monitor surveillance footage in real time, or coordinate with local law enforcement until after the shooting. As per the notice, a Turning Point USA official texted campus Police Chief Jeffrey Long about unsecured rooftop access near Kirk’s stage.

Long allegedly replied: “I got you covered.” The family argues the risk of a rooftop shooter should have been “top-of-mind,” citing the 2024 attempted assassination of President Trump.

In the notice, UVU, the State of Utah, the UVU Police Department, Chief Long, and former university President Astrid Tuminez. The university said its “focus remains on supporting our campus community.”