Charlie Kirk’s Family Moves to Sue University Over ‘Stunning Failures’ Before Assassination

Charlie Kirk‘s family is taking the first step toward suing Utah Valley University, and they’re claiming that a series of security failures left the conservative activist vulnerable to being assassinated last year.

In a Notice of Claim obtained by Globe, Charlie’s family accuses the university, its police department and other Utah officials of a series of “stunning failures and reckless decisions” that allegedly left Charlie vulnerable to the rooftop gunman who killed him.

The filing claims that Turning Point USA even warned UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long about accessible rooftops near the area where Kirk was scheduled to speak.

“Hello Chief Long – we received this message today from the student group…. ‘there is student roof access pretty close to where [Charlie Kirk] will be set up at Utah Valley,'” a TPUSA official texted, according to the claim.

The official then asked Long, “if this is true, it would be nice to either have it controlled access or allow one of my guys to be there as well. If Possible.”

“I got you covered,” Long allegedly responded.

Charlie’s family claims the exchange led TPUSA to believe that university police had taken responsibility for securing rooftop risks near Charlie’s location. The filing further alleges UVU knew students frequently accessed the rooftop where the gunman later positioned himself.

The family also accuses UVU of assigning only six campus police officers to the outdoor event, which drew approximately 3,000 people. The claim alleges that Long requested additional officers from then-university president Astrid Tuminez, but he was denied. Outside police departments were allegedly not called for assistance until after Charlie was shot.

According to the document, attorneys further claim that there was no written security plan, meaningful risk assessment or pre-event security briefing addressing unsecured rooftops. They argue that UVU could have moved the event indoors, screened attendees or used drones and real-time surveillance to monitor the surrounding buildings.

The notice names Charlie’s widow, Erika Kirk, their two children and his estate as prospective plaintiffs, as well as the potential for additional claims by his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk.

A spokesperson for UVU told the Associated Press that the school was aware of the notice and would address it “consistent with our established processes.”

Charlie was shot and killed in September 2025 during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour at UVU in Orem, Utah. He was 31 years old.

Tyler Robinson was arrested within 36 hours of Charlie’s death. Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and other charges. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.