Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Charlie Kirk Family Files Notice Over Utah University Security
Charlie Kirk’s family says a university did not do enough to keep him safe at an outdoor event.
They sent a legal notice that is usually required before filing a lawsuit.
The family says police were warned about rooftops where a shooter could hide.
They also say the event lacked enough police, a secure perimeter, bag checks, metal detectors, and other safety measures.
Kirk was shot from a rooftop and later died.
The university said it would handle the notice through its normal process, while the state attorney general’s office declined to comment.
Tyler Robinson has been accused of the shooting and has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and say they have evidence including video, DNA, and a handwritten note.
A judge has allowed the case to move toward trial, but no trial date has been set.
Charlie Kirk’s family filed a required notice of claim signaling a possible lawsuit against Utah Valley University and Utah officials.
The family alleges officials failed to assess risks, secure the event perimeter, control rooftop access, and provide adequate emergency response.
The notice says Turning Point USA warned university police about nearby rooftops, while the police chief reportedly replied, “I got you covered.”
Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at an outdoor university event attended by about 3,000 people.
Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder, has pleaded not guilty, and could face the death penalty if convicted.
- Who
- Charlie Kirk’s family, Utah Valley University, Utah officials, and Tyler Robinson, who is charged in Kirk’s death.
- What
- Kirk’s family alleges that inadequate university and state security contributed to his fatal shooting and has notified officials of its intent to seek damages.
- When
- Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025; the legal notice was dated September 9, and a trial-setting hearing is expected on October 23.
- Where
- Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where Kirk was speaking in an outdoor courtyard or amphitheatre area.
- Why
- The family says officials failed to address rooftop risks and provide sufficient security and emergency measures.
Family’s Liability Claims
University, State, and Defense Responses
Event security
Family’s Liability Claims
Kirk’s family alleges that university officials made reckless decisions, failed to control access to a rooftop, and omitted safety measures that could have reduced the risk.
University, State, and Defense Responses
Utah Valley University said it was aware of the notice and would address it through established processes; the Utah Attorney General’s Office said it does not comment on potential litigation.
Police preparedness
Family’s Liability Claims
The family says police staffing, risk assessment, perimeter security, and emergency response were inadequate, including the decision to take Kirk to a hospital in a private vehicle rather than an ambulance.
University, State, and Defense Responses
Police Chief Jeffrey Long said six campus officers staffed the event and coordinated with Kirk’s eight-person private security team; the university said it was expanding its police force after the shooting.
Alleged motive
Family’s Liability Claims
Prosecutors allege Robinson targeted Kirk because of Kirk’s views opposing gay marriage and transgender rights, citing statements Robinson allegedly made to his romantic partner.
University, State, and Defense Responses
Defense attorney Richard Novak said Kirk’s comments about non-heterosexual and gender-nonconforming people, even if hateful, do not establish Robinson’s motive.
Criminal responsibility
Family’s Liability Claims
Prosecutors accuse Robinson of the shooting and are seeking the death penalty, citing what they characterize as overwhelming evidence.
University, State, and Defense Responses
Robinson has pleaded not guilty, and his defense disputes the prosecution’s case and alleged motive.
- Claimants
- Kirk’s parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, and his widow, Erika Kirk, are identified as family members involved in the case.
- Potential defendants
- Utah Valley University, its then-president Astrid Tuminez, its campus police department and chief Jeffrey Long, and the State of Utah are named in the notice.
- Event attendance
- About 3,000 people attended the outdoor event.
- Alleged security gaps
- The family cites inadequate risk assessment, insufficient police staffing, no drone rooftop monitoring, no coordinated local-law-enforcement security, no bag checks or metal detectors, and no secure perimeter.
- Reported warning
- The notice says Turning Point USA warned university police about rooftop risks and received a response that security was covered.
- Criminal case
- Tyler Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder, has pleaded not guilty, and is eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
- Evidence cited by prosecutors
- Prosecutors have cited campus surveillance video, DNA allegedly linking Robinson to a rifle, and a handwritten note allegedly left for his romantic partner.
