On September 10, 2025, a tragic event unfolded at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah, when conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a speaking engagement. The assassination, described by Utah Governor Spencer Cox as a “political assassination,” has sparked intense scrutiny over the security measures—or lack thereof—at the event. Witnesses reported that security at the UVU amphitheater was alarmingly lax, with no bag or identity checks, allowing anyone to enter the venue freely. They also noted a minimal security presence near the area where Kirk was speaking, raising questions about whether the tragedy could have been prevented. This article reconstructs the event, drawing from witness accounts, official statements, and public reactions, while examining the broader implications of the security failures.
The Event and the Attack
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and close ally of President Donald Trump, was the keynote speaker at a Turning Point USA event billed as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” The outdoor event, held in UVU’s open-air amphitheater, drew an estimated 3,000 attendees, many of whom were students eager to hear Kirk’s signature “Prove Me Wrong” debates. Kirk, known for his provocative style and advocacy for conservative values on college campuses, was about 20 minutes into a question-and-answer session when a single shot rang out at 12:20 p.m. local time. The bullet, fired from the roof of the nearby Losee Center, approximately 200 to 300 yards away, struck Kirk in the neck. He collapsed, blood pouring from the wound, and was pronounced dead at a local hospital hours later.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and panic. Justin Hickens, who was standing about 20 yards from Kirk, told NBC News, “I saw a bunch of blood come out of Charlie. I saw his body kind of kick back and go limp, and everybody dropped to the ground.” Attendees scrambled for safety, some knocking over barricades and wading through a campus fountain to escape. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment of the shot, with screams erupting as Kirk slumped in his chair. Witness Isaac, who declined to provide his last name, described the scene as “surreal,” noting that he saw blood “shooting out” of Kirk’s neck as people “hit the floor,” fearing a mass shooting.
Security Lapses Exposed
Multiple witnesses expressed shock at the minimal security measures in place for an event featuring a high-profile figure like Kirk, known for attracting both supporters and protesters. Tyler McGettigan, an attendee, told NBC News he was surprised that no one checked his ticket, which had a scannable QR code. “No one checked the barcode or the QR code. There was no checkpoint to get in. It was literally, anyone could walk in if they wanted,” he said. Other attendees, including Deseret News reporter Emma Pitts, confirmed that there were no metal detectors or bag checks at the entrance. Pitts noted, “Nobody scanned our equipment, nobody scanned our bags, there was no security like that.”
Jeb Jacobi, a student volunteer at the event, recalled seeing only about two security guards near the stage where Kirk was speaking, far fewer than expected for a crowd of thousands. Afton Miller, a 25-year-old UVU student and Turning Point USA member, echoed this sentiment, stating, “There didn’t seem to be a whole lot of security.” Another witness, Spencer Carpenter, told the Deseret News he had expected to go through a metal detector and even discarded a metal toothpick on his keychain, assuming it would be confiscated. “The way I looked at it, anyone could bring a gun in there and nobody would have known,” he said.
UVU Police Chief Jeff Long confirmed that only six officers were assigned to the event, supplemented by an unspecified number of plainclothes officers in the crowd. Kirk’s private security team was also present, but witnesses reported no visible security personnel stationed near the canopy where Kirk spoke. Long acknowledged the shortcomings, stating, “We’re a small police department. We have a very large campus. We train for these things. You think you have things covered, and unfortunately today we didn’t.” He described the incident as a “police chief’s nightmare,” noting the challenges of securing an open-air venue surrounded by campus buildings.
A school policy document indicates that a committee evaluates security needs for “major” events, but it remains unclear whether Kirk’s event was classified as such. The open nature of the amphitheater, situated in a low area surrounded by buildings, made it particularly vulnerable to a long-distance attack, as the shot was fired from a rooftop. Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason revealed that the shooter used a high-powered, bolt-action rifle, and investigators traced the suspect’s movements to the roof of the Losee Center, from which he fled into a nearby neighborhood.
A Suspect at Large and a Community in Shock
As of September 11, 2025, the shooter remains at large, intensifying fears and prompting a massive manhunt. The FBI has released images of a person of interest described as college-aged, dressed in dark clothing, and blending in with the crowd. Police recovered the rifle used in the attack and are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Authorities believe the attack was targeted, though no motive has been publicly confirmed. The ammunition used reportedly bore “trans and antifascist messages,” fueling speculation about ideological motivations, but investigators have urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions.
The UVU campus was locked down immediately after the shooting, with classes canceled through September 14. Students were escorted off campus by police, and roads around the university were closed. Near the campus, tributes to Kirk began to emerge, with flower bouquets piling up in front of a school sign and a man holding a “R.I.P. Charlie” sign on a street corner. A parade of trucks flying American flags drove through Orem in his honor, reflecting the deep impact Kirk had on his supporters.
Political and Social Fallout
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a polarizing figure known for his outspoken conservative views, has reignited debates over political violence and campus safety. President Donald Trump, who called Kirk a “patriot” and a “great guy from top to bottom,” announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social and pledged to attend his funeral in Arizona. Trump blamed the “radical left” for the killing, a claim echoed by conservative figures like Donald Trump Jr., who described Kirk as a “brother” and a “true inspiration.” Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the attack a “dark day for our state” and suggested the death penalty for the perpetrator, emphasizing the need for accountability.
The lack of security at the event drew sharp criticism from both attendees and public figures. Former Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was present, told Fox News that the police presence was “light” and Kirk’s security was insufficient. “Utah is one of the safest places on the planet, and so we just don’t have these types of things,” he said, expressing shock at the lapse. Experts, however, noted the inherent challenges of securing open-air events. Former FBI agent Michael Harrigan told The Independent that protecting against long-distance shootings is “almost impossible” without extensive resources, while Katherine Schweit, another former FBI agent, emphasized that campus events typically rely on coordination between local police and private security, which appeared inadequate in this case.
The tragedy has also prompted broader discussions about gun laws and campus safety. Utah’s permissive concealed carry laws allow permit holders to carry firearms on public college campuses, a policy that came under scrutiny as witnesses noted the ease of access to the event. Some argued that stricter security measures, such as metal detectors or bag checks, could have deterred the attacker, though others pointed out that a rooftop sniper would have bypassed such measures.
A Call for Change
The assassination has left UVU and the broader community grappling with grief and questions about how to prevent future tragedies. President Astrid S. Tuminez expressed condolences, stating, “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk. We grieve with our students, faculty, and staff who bore witness to this unspeakable tragedy.” She reaffirmed UVU’s commitment to open dialogue but acknowledged the need for improved safety protocols.
Nationally, the incident has heightened security concerns, with New York City police increasing measures for 9/11 anniversary events in response to Kirk’s killing. The FBI has appealed for public assistance, launching an online form to collect tips about the shooter. Meanwhile, vigils across the country, including a Catholic rosary prayer vigil, have honored Kirk’s memory, with faith leaders and activists condemning the rise of political violence.
Conclusion
The assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has exposed glaring security lapses that allowed a gunman to carry out a targeted attack in broad daylight. Witnesses’ accounts of unchecked bags, unverified identities, and minimal security presence near Kirk’s speaking area highlight a failure to adequately protect a high-profile event. As the manhunt for the shooter continues, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in open campus settings and the growing threat of political violence in the United States. Kirk’s death has left a void for his supporters and a call to action for those tasked with ensuring public safety, urging a reevaluation of how such events are secured in an increasingly polarized world.
