Utah Valley University (UVU) released an independent review examining security failures that preceded the Sept. 10, 2025 shooting death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on its campus. The report, described as roughly 158 to 160 pages, found that university staff and security personnel had several deficiencies in planning for the event.
According to The Hill, university staff and security personnel deferred critical decisionmaking to the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) team and failed to conduct a formal written security plan. The New York Post reported, in a single-source claim, that the original day-of security posture called for only three university law enforcement officers to secure an event attended by several thousand people.
The Washington Times, in a single-source claim, reported that the review found TPUSA insisted Kirk speak outdoors despite security concerns, while the university did not properly assess dangers such as the possibility of a rooftop shooter. National Review similarly reported, in a single-source claim, that UVU had warned Turning Point against holding the event outside.
The review determined that no UVU employee or agent acted in bad faith or in willful and wanton disregard for safety before, during or after the shooting, according to TheBlaze and the Washington Examiner. Sources differ on the report's release date, with the Washington Post and TheBlaze indicating Friday and the Washington Examiner indicating Thursday.
How each side covered it
Left
- Reports led with findings of numerous security deficiencies at Utah Valley University ahead of the Kirk shooting.
- Coverage noted the university commissioned an independent review following the Sept. 10, 2025 shooting during Kirk's campus appearance.
“Report finds many security deficiencies at Utah university where Charlie Kirk was killed” — Associated Press
Center
- Outlets reported the 158-page independent review found failures in security planning and multiple security issues on the day of the assassination.
- The Hill highlighted that university staff and security personnel deferred critical decisionmaking to the Turning Point USA team and skipped a formal written security plan.
- Coverage framed the report as detailing specific security lapses without assigning blame in headlines.
“university staff and security personnel deferred critical decisionmaking to the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) team and failed to conduct a formal written security…” — The Hill
Right
- Right-leaning outlets emphasized that the original security plan called for only three law enforcement officers for an event attended by thousands.
- Several outlets reported the review found Turning Point USA insisted Kirk speak outdoors despite security concerns, and the university failed to assess risks like a rooftop shooter.
- Coverage stressed the report's conclusion that no UVU employee acted in bad faith or willful disregard for safety.
- National Review and others noted claims that UVU had warned Turning Point against holding the event outside.
“The original day-of security posture planned for only three university law enforcement officers securing the event, which was attended by several thousand people.” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened at Utah Valley University?
Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator, was fatally shot while addressing a crowd at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. The university later released an independent review finding multiple security deficiencies ahead of the event.
What did the independent review find?
The review, nearly 160 pages, found that university staff and security personnel deferred key decisions to Turning Point USA and failed to create a formal written security plan, according to The Hill. It also found no employee acted in bad faith, according to TheBlaze and the Washington Examiner.
Did the review say who was responsible for the outdoor event location?
The Washington Times and National Review reported, each as a single-source claim, that Turning Point USA insisted Kirk speak outdoors despite university concerns, with National Review adding that UVU had specifically warned against holding the event outside.
How did coverage differ across outlets?
Left- and center-leaning outlets largely focused on the finding of numerous security deficiencies, while several right-leaning outlets emphasized specific details such as low officer staffing, the outdoor venue dispute, and the finding that no employee acted in bad faith.
When was the report released?
Sources disagree: the Washington Post and TheBlaze report the review was released Friday, while the Washington Examiner reports it was released Thursday.
Sources · 14 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningReport finds many security deficiencies at Utah university where Charlie Kirk was killed
- HuffPostLeft-leaningUtah University Where Charlie Kirk Was Killed Had Many Security Deficiencies: Report
- PBS NewsHourLeft-leaningReport finds many security deficiencies at Utah university where Charlie Kirk was killed
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningUtah university releases independent review of Charlie Kirk shooting
- NewsNationCenterCharlie Kirk assassination: Review cites police staffing, monitoring concerns | The Hill
- NewsweekCenterNew Review Finds Security Issues at Utah Valley University When Kirk was Killed
- The HillCenterReport shows Utah Valley University had several security issues on day of Charlie Kirk assassination
- UPICenterUtah Valley report says Charlie Kirk's team was warned of venue risks
- National ReviewRight-leaningUtah Valley University Warned Turning Point Not to Hold Charlie Kirk Event Outside, Internal Report Claims
- New York PostRight-leaningCharlie Kirk assassination report highlights several security failures at Utah Valley University
- NewsmaxRight-leaningReport: Many Security Flaws at College Where Kirk Died
- The Washington TimesRight-leaningReport finds many security deficiencies at Utah university where Charlie Kirk was killed
- TheBlazeRight-leaningUVU releases report on Charlie Kirk assassination
- Washington ExaminerRight-leaningUtah Valley University report details key security flaws at Charlie Kirk’s assassination