Uvu Begins Independent Security Review Ksl Com

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 18, 2025, 10:44 PM

uvu begins independent security review ksl com

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. 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... 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. 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. 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. The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk right on Utah Valley University’s campus has sent ripples through the community — and now UVU is taking decisive action by launching what they describe as a thorough,... But here’s where it gets controversial: was there really enough done to prevent this tragedy? On September 10th, Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was delivering a speech as part of the organization's "America's Comeback Tour" held outdoors at UVU.

That was when he was fatally shot, with evidence pointing to the suspect lying in wait on a nearby rooftop — an unsettling detail that raises serious questions about event security and surveillance. Despite the presence of six police officers assigned specifically to oversee Kirk’s event, along with his personal security detail and undercover officers mingling in plain sight, attendees later disclosed that bags were never inspected... Worse yet, there appeared to be no effort to monitor or clear the adjacent rooftops for potential threats. This gap in security protocols could indicate a severe oversight. UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that the forthcoming independent investigation is meant to dig deep into this targeted act of violence.

"We believe these findings will provide critical insights into how college campuses can better prepare and respond," Tuminez explained. She also affirmed the university's commitment to embedding the review's lessons into safety policies not just for UVU, but for higher education institutions across Utah. A point of public curiosity remains: UVU has withheld the name of the firm conducting this review, citing the ongoing nature of investigations. Yet, Utah lawmakers are closely watching this review’s progress. Some had hoped for more immediate legislative action — a security proposal initially tied to a major bill for 2025 was notably removed — making the findings of this review all the more significant... In a statement released Monday afternoon, UVU leadership reiterated their dedication to transparency and safety improvements.

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams publicly expressed his support for the university’s decision to bring in an outside organization to ensure an unbiased, comprehensive evaluation. "Utah has a proud tradition of facing challenges with integrity and resolve," Adams told KSL NewsRadio, signaling broad political backing for this review process. This situation begs deeper questions: should more stringent security measures have been mandatory for events with high-profile speakers? Was the decision not to screen bags or check rooftops a reasonable risk or a dangerous lapse? And perhaps most provocatively — are universities truly equipped to safeguard against such targeted attacks, or is this a wake-up call exposing systemic vulnerabilities? These are the conversations that have only just begun.

We invite you to share your thoughts and perspectives — do you agree that independent reviews like this are the key to preventing future tragedies, or should there be more immediate, sweeping reforms in... Let us know in the comments below. “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... “Once the review and criminal investigation are complete, that will be the appropriate time for thoughtful conversations. Right now, we need to allow them to proceed without distractions,” Ogden Republican Sen. Ann Millner said while reading a prepared statement. The Legislature’s responsibility is to ensure that the FBI, the state’s Department of Public Safety, the Board of Higher Education and Utah Valley University can carry out their reviews, Millner said.

Uvu Begins Independent Security Review Ksl Com

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