An independent review released Friday by Utah Valley University revealed systemic security failures ahead of Charlie Kirk’s fatal September 10, 2025, speech at the Orem campus.
During an August 2025 planning meeting, a Turning Point USA representative insisted that Kirk speak in the courtyard, citing past familiarity, despite university officials’ reservations about the tall surrounding buildings and potential rooftop shooter.
The university admitted it never carried out a formal security assessment, omitted a written event action plan, and left critical decisions to Turning Point, creating a gap in coordination with the speaker’s private guard and local police.
Candace Owens, who has targeted Kirk’s wife for a year, reacted on social media, calling the report “the most damning document we have seen” and demanding an emergency live session to expose the planning failures.
In light of the findings, the university’s board announced a federal investigation and said it would cooperate with authorities, while Kirk’s family has filed a civil suit seeking reparations for the shooting.