Kirk family sues UVU

Attorneys for Kirk's family filed a notice of intent to sue UVU one day before Charlie Kirk's death anniversary, alleging security failures including declining additional police officers and inadequate security planning.

Utah immunity law applies

Utah's government immunity law grants broad immunity to government entities, including UVU, for lawsuits arising from battery claims such as gunshot wounds.

Law professor warns

University of Utah law professor Teneille Brown says the Kirk family will have a very difficult time prevailing in a wrongful death case in Utah due to the government immunity statute.

Security concerns

UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long acknowledged security concerns about rooftop access to the Sorenson Center, where Charlie Kirk was scheduled to speak, and messaged Kirk's team, 'I got you covered.'

“I got you covered”

Legal expert analysis

West Coast Trial Lawyers president Neama Rahmani says wrongful death claims against government entities are difficult because they are responsible for third parties' criminal actions, not their own.

Case example

Mika Scott, a UVU student, sued Utah County and the Utah County Sheriff's Office after a prisoner raped her in 2010, but could not prevail due to the government immunity statute.

Court precedent

The Utah Supreme Court in Wagner v. Utah (2005) held civil battery does not require intent to cause physical or psychological injury, signaling the need for statute reform.

No accountability

State workers not elected, like UVU's president and campus police, cannot be held accountable at the ballot box for failing to perform job functions.

UVU response

UVU spokesperson stated they address legal matters consistent with established processes and remain focused on supporting their campus community.