Charlie Kirk’s family alleges UVU officials knew about rooftop security risks before his death, citing a police chief text in a legal filing.
Charlie Kirk’s family has taken a legal step against Utah Valley University, alleging that campus officials were aware of security vulnerabilities before the Turning Point USA founder was fatally shot at a university event.
The family filed a notice of claim against UVU, the state of Utah and several officials, alleging that security failures contributed to Kirk’s death. The filing is a precursor to a potential wrongful-death lawsuit.
At the center of the allegations is an alleged text message from UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long that the family says shows officials were aware of concerns involving rooftops and event security.
Family alleges officials knew about rooftop risks
According to the legal filing, Kirk’s family contends that UVU officials had information about potential rooftop vulnerabilities before the Sept. 10, 2025, event.
Kirk was speaking to a crowd at UVU in Orem when prosecutors allege that Tyler Robinson fired a shot from a rooftop, killing the conservative activist.
The family’s notice claims that security measures that could have addressed potential threats were not adequately implemented. Those allegations include concerns involving rooftop surveillance, perimeter security, bag screening and emergency planning.
The filing names UVU, the state of Utah, the university’s police department, Long and former UVU President Astrid Tuminez among prospective defendants.
Security concerns had surfaced before shooting
The new allegations come amid broader scrutiny of security preparations at the university.
An Associated Press review previously found that UVU lacked several security measures that have become standard at major public events, including certain forms of rooftop monitoring and other safeguards.
Kirk’s security director, Brian Harpole, also previously said his team had raised concerns about rooftop exposure, drone restrictions and staffing levels before the event.
The family’s legal filing now puts those concerns into the context of a potential wrongful-death case.
UVU faces potential legal action
A notice of claim generally serves as a required step before certain lawsuits against government entities or public institutions can proceed.
The Kirk family alleges that the shooting could have been prevented if adequate security measures had been implemented. Those claims remain allegations and would have to be established in court if litigation proceeds.
UVU has faced criticism over its security arrangements since the shooting and has subsequently expanded its police force and added security personnel.
Meanwhile, Robinson has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from Kirk’s death. A Utah judge recently ruled that the case can proceed to trial.
The latest filing shifts attention from the criminal case against Robinson to questions about whether institutional security decisions also contributed to the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death.
