Utah Valley University Launches Independent Security Review Following

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 18, 2025, 10:49 PM

utah valley university launches independent security review following

OREM, Utah — In a significant move to address concerns over public safety and the security of controversial speakers on campus, Utah Valley University (UVU) announced an independent, external review of the fatal shooting... The university’s decision, revealed Monday, comes amid growing criticism over perceived security lapses during Kirk’s event and aims to restore the institution’s reputation for safety. Kirk, known for his far-right political stance, was shot during an event at UVU where he opted for an outdoor setting to better engage with students. Critics argue this decision complicated security efforts. Comparisons have been drawn with previous events where Kirk spoke, such as at Illinois State University and the University of Wyoming, both of which reportedly had substantial security presence, including multiple campus police officers... In contrast, the security measures at UVU are being scrutinized for their adequacy, as critics allege they were significantly less than at other institutions.

Furthermore, the university’s response to the incident has faced condemnation due to delayed and conflicting emergency alerts. The shooting incident has sparked a debate about campus security protocols, particularly when hosting high-profile speakers. Past events involving controversial figures have typically necessitated heightened security measures to prevent disruptions and ensure safety. Kirk’s appearance at UVU was intended to be accessible, a decision that inadvertently introduced security vulnerabilities. Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Sept. 10, 2025, UVU today announced it is initiating a comprehensive independent review with an external organization.

Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Sept. 10, 2025, UVU today announced it is initiating a comprehensive independent review with an external organization. “We believe the findings of the comprehensive, third-party independent review of this targeted act of violence will offer valuable insights on how college campuses improve response and preparedness moving forward,” said Astrid S. Tuminez, president of UVU. “We will integrate the findings into our efforts to strengthen and improve safety practices for UVU and all of Utah higher education.” UVU will continue to care for its campus community, providing support through mental health services and additional resources throughout the semester.

The university also affirms its commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue. Nearly two weeks after the on-campus assassination of Charlie Kirk, leaders at Utah Valley University announced Monday the school is initiating an independent review of its security measures. Kirk, 31, was speaking with students under a pop-up tent during his “The Great American Comeback Tour” on Sept. 10 in the campus courtyard when he was hit by a single gunshot. At a press conference hours after the shooting, Commissioner Beau Mason of the Utah Department of Public Safety said the suspected gunman — later identified by authorities as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson — allegedly shot... Kirk was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital where he later died.

Authorities said they believe the assassination was a targeted attack on the conservative activist. Law enforcement responds after conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Utah Valley University is starting an independent review with a third-party organization in the aftermath of the shooting that killed conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during a speaking event at the university’s campus. “We believe the findings of the comprehensive, third-party independent review of this targeted act of violence will offer valuable insights on how college campuses improve response and preparedness moving forward,” Astrid Tuminez, president of...

“We will integrate the findings into our efforts to strengthen and improve safety practices for UVU and all of Utah higher education.” The university has implemented several measures to protect staff, faculty and students, according to a news release. Operational details are unavailable for security reasons, but there’s an increased law enforcement presence on campus. Lawmakers on the Utah Legislature’s School Security Task Force also spoke about the independent review during a Monday meeting, saying they expect those findings to provide valuable insights on how higher education institutions across... Findings to Strengthen Safety Practices for UVU and Utah Higher Education OREM, Utah, Sept.

22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Sept. 10, 2025, Utah Valley University (UVU) today announced it is initiating a comprehensive independent review with an external organization. "We believe the findings of the comprehensive, third-party independent review of this targeted act of violence will offer valuable insights on how college campuses improve response and preparedness moving forward," said Astrid S. Tuminez, president of UVU. "We will integrate the findings into our efforts to strengthen and improve safety practices for UVU and all of Utah higher education." UVU will continue to care for its campus community, providing support through mental health services and additional resources throughout the semester.

The university also affirms its commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry and constructive dialogue. About Utah Valley University At Utah Valley University, we believe everyone deserves the transforming benefits of high-quality education — and it needs to be affordable, accessible, and flexible. With opportunities to earn everything from certificates to master's degrees, our students succeed by gaining real-world experience and developing career-ready skills. We continue to invite people to come as they are — and leave ready and prepared to make a difference in the world. SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Valley University officials have initiated what they call a comprehensive and independent review in response to the on-campus assassination of Charlie Kirk. On Sept.

10, the Turning Point USA co-founder was speaking at the organization's "America's Comeback Tour" at UVU when he was shot and killed. The speaking engagement was set up in an outdoor space on the campus, and the shooter is believed to have been lying in wait on a nearby rooftop. The university previously said six police officers were on duty, monitoring the Kirk event on the day he was shot. There were also members of Kirk's security team, as well as plainclothes officers. However, bags brought to the event by students and others weren't checked, according to attendees who spoke with KSL and ABC News. Nearby rooftops were also not checked, as far as they could tell.

"We believe the findings of the comprehensive, third-party independent review of this targeted act of violence will offer valuable insights on how college campuses improve response and preparedness moving forward," said Astrid S. Tuminez, UVU president. "We will integrate the findings into our efforts to strengthen and improve safety practices for UVU and all of Utah higher education." Sep 22, 2025, 1:16 PM | Updated: 6:41 pm The crowd reacts after Charlie Kirk is shot during Turning Point’s visit to Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.

(Tess Crowley, Deseret News) BY SIMONE SEIKALY AND MARY CULBERTSON, KSL NEWSRADIO SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Valley University officials have initiated what they call a comprehensive and independent review in response to an on-campus assassination on Sept. 10. On that day, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was speaking at the organization’s “Prove Me Wrong” tour at UVU when he was shot and killed. The speaking engagement was set up in an outdoor space on the campus, and the shooter is believed to have been lying in wait on a nearby rooftop.

Utah Valley University (UVU) will launch an independent review into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which took place on its campus earlier this month. The university said the review will be carried out by an external team. Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while addressing thousands of students at the university. While officers tried to take control of the situation, Zinn’s repeated claims drew their attention. Despite officers not seeing a weapon, he repeatedly claimed that he was the shooter. UVU President Astrid S Tuminez said in a statement that the review will be detailed and independent.

She explained that the university hopes the findings will provide important lessons for how colleges can respond to violence and improve safety. She added that the results would be used not just for UVU but also for other higher education institutions across Utah. According to her, the shooting was a "targeted act of violence." She said that the university would apply the review’s recommendations to strengthen its security practices.

Utah Valley University Launches Independent Security Review Following

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