Security Oversights at Utah Valley University Come Under Scrutiny after Charlie Kirk's Assassination

Fri Oct 10 2025 19:26:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

An investigation reveals critical gaps in safety measures at Utah Valley University during the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk, raising questions about the security protocols in place for campus events.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has exposed significant shortcomings in campus security measures, including a lack of drone surveillance, insufficient police presence, and inadequate emergency response systems. As lawmakers and campus officials seek an understanding of these failures, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhancing safety protocols at educational institutions.

The assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) has spotlighted serious security failings at the institution. A review by the Associated Press has highlighted the absence of key safety measures that have become standard at similar events across the country.

On September 10, during his appearance in the university's outdoor courtyard, Kirk was shot from a distance of approximately 400 feet by a sniper positioned on a nearby rooftop. The tragedy unfolded despite the fact that campus police had deployed only six officers for the event and had not utilized drones or coordinated with local law enforcement to enhance security measures.

In the aftermath of the assassination, public and governmental scrutiny has intensified, with calls for an in-depth inquiry into the university's security protocols. Greg Shaffer, who previously oversaw Kirk's security, emphasized the glaring security lapses that made Kirk vulnerable: Absolutely there were security failures; it left him exposed. It was egregious enough that someone was able to take advantage and kill him.

University president, Astrid Tuminez, acknowledged the tragedy but refrained from commenting on specific security failures pending a broader review. The absence of drones for rooftop surveillance has drawn particular criticism, as experts argue that existing technology could have helped identify potential elevated threats.

Officials from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and Orem Police Department, both equipped with drones, indicated they were not involved in the event's security management. The university's police unit consists of just 23 officers, which is considerably below the national average for student safety ratios.

The security issues at UVU are exacerbated by its rapid growth from a community college to a university with 48,000 enrolled students—an increase that has not been matched by an expansion of safety resources. Internal reviews revealed that the campus had outdated emergency communication systems, compounding the risks in high-stakes scenarios like outdoor events with large crowds.

As lawmakers seek solutions to bolster public safety in the wake of Kirk's assassination, the ongoing investigation into security measures at UVU raises critical questions about how educational institutions safeguard their students and guests during public events.