Kirk Family Files Claim Alleging Security Failures Led to Assassination

The family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk has filed a notice of claim against Utah Valley University and the state of Utah, alleging preventable security failures led to his assassination on campus last year. The legal filing, dated September 9, 2026, is a precursor to a potential wrongful death lawsuit. The claim accuses the university and state officials of "stunning failures and reckless decisions" that left Kirk vulnerable to a rooftop shooter during an outdoor event on September 10, 2025. It names the state of Utah, Utah Valley University, the university's police department, Police Chief Jeffrey Long, and former university President Astrid Tuminez as prospective defendants. Central to the allegations is a text message exchange cited in the filing. Turning Point USA staff reportedly warned Chief Long about student roof access near the speaking venue, writing, "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." Chief Long allegedly replied, "I got you covered." The filing states that despite this warning, the university failed to secure the rooftop from which the fatal shot was fired.