Charlie Kirk's family files claim against UVU alleging security failures led to his death

<p>Charlie Kirk's family has filed a notice of claim against Utah Valley University (UVU), the state, and key individuals involved in campus leadership and security decisions, alleging that their failures contributed to the wrongful death of the Turning Point USA founder. The claim was filed on September 9, 2026.</p><p>The filing states, "The risk of a rooftop shooter should have been especially top-of-mind given the attempted assassination of President Trump, Charlie Kirk’s close friend and political ally, by a rooftop shooter the previous year." The claim is signed by Kirk family attorneys Loren Washburn, Brett Parkinson, and Clifford Parkinson.</p><p>According to the filing, Turning Point USA organizers informed UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long about rooftop access to the Sorenson Center, which is near where Kirk was speaking the day he was killed. The alleged exchange included a request for security measures regarding the rooftop access.</p><p>Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, in the campus courtyard. Authorities report that a lone gunman took a sniper's position on the Losee Center rooftop. The suspect, 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, has pleaded not guilty.</p><p>Brett Parkinson, counsel for the Kirk family, stated, "His murder was entirely preventable and, in fact, would not have happened had the State of Utah and UVU followed through on their stated security promises, which included protecting the rooftops surrounding the quad where Charlie was speaking."</p><p>The prospective plaintiffs include Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, their two juvenile children, and potentially his parents, Robert and Kathryn. The filing does not specify monetary damages but raises claims of wrongful death and "state-created danger" under the U.S. Constitution.</p><p>Kirk was known for building TPUSA into a significant conservative youth organization and had spoken at multiple Republican National Conventions. He faced death threats and publicly discussed concerns about his safety prior to his assassination.</p><p>The filing alleges that UVU failed to conduct a meaningful risk assessment and did not have a written security plan or hold a security briefing before the event. It also claims that Kirk was placed in a vulnerable position surrounded by tall buildings, and that the university could have moved the event indoors or to a more secure location.</p><p>Only six campus police officers were assigned to the event, which attracted approximately 3,000 spectators. The filing claims that Chief Long requested more officers, but his request was denied. Additionally, campus police did not seek assistance from neighboring departments.</p><p>The notice states that when Kirk was shot, first responders were not available, and he was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital in a private vehicle rather than an ambulance. The filing also claims that the university had the authority to implement security measures that were not utilized.</p><p>Despite having a security camera system, the footage was not monitored in real-time, and there were no drones to oversee the event. The filing concludes that the alleged failures created a foreseeable danger to Kirk.</p>