The Charlie Kirk family has accused Utah Valley University and state officials of serious security failures that allegedly contributed to his fatal shooting in 2025.
Lawyers for the family made the allegations in a legal notice filed ahead of a possible wrongful death lawsuit.
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was speaking at a Turning Point USA event when a gunman allegedly shot him from a university rooftop.
The incident happened on September 10, 2025, during an event attended by thousands of people.
Family raises concerns over event security
The legal notice names Utah Valley University, local police, the state of Utah and other officials.
According to the filing, the university failed to conduct a proper security assessment before the event.
The family also claims that the university did not assign enough police officers to the gathering.
Other allegations include the absence of an ambulance at the venue and a failure to secure rooftops overlooking the area where Kirk was speaking.
The family’s lawyers described the event location as a vulnerable space because it was surrounded by tall buildings and elevated observation points.
They argued that Kirk was left exposed to a potential rooftop attack.
Warnings about rooftops allegedly ignored
The family further claims that officials received warnings about access to rooftops near the event venue.
According to the legal notice, Kirk’s organisation raised concerns about whether students could reach a nearby rooftop.
The family alleges that the university police chief assured a Turning Point USA representative that the issue would be handled.
However, lawyers claim that the necessary security measures were not put in place before the event.
The filing also refers to the attempted assassination of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2024, which involved a gunman positioned on a rooftop.
The family’s lawyers argued that the earlier incident should have increased awareness of the risks surrounding Kirk’s appearance.
University responds to legal notice
Utah Valley University confirmed that it was aware of the legal notice.
However, the institution did not comment on the specific allegations.
“UVU addresses legal matters consistent with our established processes,” the university said in a statement shared with the BBC’s US partner, CBS News.
The university added that its focus remained on supporting the campus community.
The notice was filed on September 9, one day before the first anniversary of Kirk’s death.
Such a filing is usually a preliminary step before a formal lawsuit is brought against a public institution.
Suspect denies charges in Kirk case
Tyler Robinson, a 23-year-old Utah man, has been accused of shooting Kirk from a rooftop during the university event.
Robinson has denied aggravated murder and six other charges.
Aggravated murder is a capital offence in Utah.
Prosecutors have indicated that they will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
He is expected to appear in court next month, when proceedings will include discussions about the next stage of the case.
The allegations against the university and state officials have not been established in court. Any future legal proceedings could determine whether security failures contributed to Kirk’s death.
Source: BBC News
