From New York Post · · 2m
Kirk family sues over security failures in assassination
Charlie Kirk's family filed a notice of claim against Utah officials, alleging negligent security planning led to his death at a university event.
In brief
Charlie Kirk's family filed a notice of claim against Utah officials, alleging negligent security planning led to his death at a university event. The Kirk family is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against Utah Valley University and state officials, citing six specific security failures including inadequate risk…
Kirk family files notice of claim
Charlie Kirk's family filed a notice of claim against Utah officials on September 9, one day before the one-year anniversary of his death, indicating a wrongful death lawsuit is coming.
How the shooting happened
Kirk, 31, was shot in the throat by a rooftop sniper while debating students from a tent at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, during his American Comeback Tour.
Lawsuit names multiple defendants
The claim names the State of Utah, Utah Valley University, its police department, Chief Jeffrey Long, and former president Astri Tuminez, plus other unnamed state actors.
No meaningful risk assessment
The lawsuit alleges officials never conducted a risk assessment before approving the outdoor location, with no security briefing or written plan, leaving rooftop access unaddressed.
“Placing a politically controversial figure like Charlie Kirk in an outdoor event in the quad surrounded by tall buildings and other elevated observation platforms is accurately described as him walking into a fishbowl.”
Outdoor venue created unnecessary risk
Officials approved an outdoor event in a courtyard surrounded by tall buildings without dedicating sufficient security resources to address the heightened danger this location created.
Only six officers for thousands
Just six campus police officers were assigned to secure the outdoor event despite requests for additional officers, representing only 25 percent of the university police force.
Ignored safety warnings beforehand
Turning Point USA passed a tip to Chief Long about student roof access near Kirk's location. Long replied he had it covered, but the university never actually secured the rooftop.
No emergency response readiness
When Kirk was shot, first responders were not available and he was transported to the hospital in a private vehicle instead of an ambulance, the claim states.
Suspect faces death penalty
Tyler Robinson, 23, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt and faces seven counts including first-degree murder. A judge ruled he could face the death penalty if convicted.
The main idea
The Kirk family is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against Utah Valley University and state officials, citing six specific security failures including inadequate risk assessment, insufficient staffing, and ignored safety warnings.
