OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University released its highly-anticipated report on Friday about security issues surrounding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
But the independent report concluded at the outset "based on our review of all available information, that at no time during the events leading up to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, or in its aftermath, did any employee or agent of UVU act in bad faith or in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others."
However, the report identified "inconsistencies" in campus safety policies, personnel and resources that led to his killing in front of thousands during a Turning Point USA event on campus. For example, it found that Turning Point dramatically underestimated the crowd size, projecting "approximately 600 attendees and reported no security concerns." UVU raised concerns about the venue, but TPUSA wanted to keep it outdoors and the university allowed it.
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Kirk's security team did raise concerns about a walkway that was ultimately roped off. A scheduled meeting between UVU police never happened ahead of the event.
The report suggested UVU did not have strong enough processes for high-profile visits, had staffing challenges and there was no immediate campus-wide alert after the killing. Ones that were issued later were inconsistent and contradictory. It recommended better threat intelligence assessments for UVU and stronger coordination with law enforcement.
UVU officials declined to comment on the report on Friday. In an interview with FOX 13 News ahead of the one-year anniversary of Kirk's assassination, newly-installed UVU President Dr. Jon Anderson said they have learned from what happened.
"I've had a chance to learn about many of the changes that have happened since that day, and we have a major events assessment committee that looks at safety in ways that they haven't in the past," he said. "The institution has prepared and delivered safety training for all faculty and staff, and we look at events in new ways. We've strengthened our relationships with local law enforcement, state law enforcement. We have escalation plans in place. There's a lot of things that we won't talk about publicly, but the safety plans have radically changed since that day, and we're prepared for events we hope never happen. But preparation is really important for us here at the campus."
The independent report could fuel a threatened lawsuit by Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika.
"This report reaffirms the facts we laid out in our Notice of Claim: that UVU security was woefully understaffed and unprepared to manage the obvious risks associated with an event of this nature," wrote Brett Parkinson. "The buck stopped with UVU leadership and law enforcement. Justice for Charlie and his family requires true accountability for UVU’s fatal shortcomings that day," Kirk family attorney Brett Parkinson told FOX 13 News in a statement.
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The review has been important for Utah political leaders. Following Kirk's death, they ordered security reviews for all of the state's colleges and universities.
"Charlie Kirk’s assassination was a tragedy for his family, our state and our nation. The independent review found that no UVU employee or agent acted 'in bad faith or in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others,' while also identifying areas where UVU and Turning Point USA could have strengthened planning, communication, coordination and event security practices," Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz said in a joint statement to FOX 13 News on Friday. "The review’s findings and recommendations provide important lessons that can help guide safety and preparedness efforts at UVU and on campuses across our state."
The Utah System of Higher Education, which oversees all of the state's public colleges and universities, said "this report offers lessons that extend beyond any single institution. We have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to learn from these findings and apply them to strengthen practices at our campuses across the state."
Tyler Robinson is facing aggravated murder charges, accused of shooting Kirk during the event last year. Utah County prosecutors have alleged that Robinson killed Kirk over politics. They have argued in court filings that a bullet found in the suspected murder weapon with the inscription "Hey Facist! CATCH!" is an "overt political reference." Prosecutors have alleged that Robinson texted his romantic partner "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out."
Robinson's attorneys have disputed the evidence as proof of political motivation. Utah County prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
Read the full Utah Valley University security review below:
