Charlie Kirk’s family alleges ‘stunning failures’ by Utah officials led to his assassination

The family of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has formally accused Utah officials and Utah Valley University (UVU) of "stunning failures" and "reckless decisions" that they claim directly led to his assassination on September 10, 2025. They have filed a notice of claim, a necessary step before potentially filing a lawsuit against the state and university.

According to the family's attorneys, critical security lapses included the university's alleged failure to secure rooftops despite specific requests from Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA. Further accusations detail inadequate police staffing for the event attended by thousands, the absence of a written security plan, and a lack of immediate first responders, which resulted in Kirk being transported to a hospital in a private vehicle after being shot by a rooftop sniper. The family also highlighted the relevance of a previous assassination attempt on President Trump by a rooftop shooter, considering Kirk's close alliance with him. UVU has acknowledged receipt of the claim, stating they handle legal matters according to established procedures and are awaiting the completion of an external review of the incident. Tyler James Robinson, the accused sniper, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder, with prosecutors pursuing the death penalty.