Charlie Kirk's family plans to sue Utah Valley University, police over fatal shooting: 5 things to know
The family of Charlie Kirk attributed responsibility to Utah officials for their failure to prevent the assassination of the prominent conservative activist at a state university, as stated by a wrongful death notice released Wednesday that suggests potential litigation may follow.
The family of Charlie Kirk holds Utah Valley University and state officials accountable for his assassination, citing reckless decisions regarding safety at a debate event (@TPUSA/X, AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson )Kirk was exposed to a rooftop sniper who fired a deadly shot from more than 400 feet away on September 10, 2025, according to the family's attorneys, as a result of a series of βreckless decisionsβ made by Utah Valley University administrators. The university has come under heavy fire for failing to take important safety precautions on the day of the incident.
A representative from Utah Valley University acknowledged receipt of the notice and stated that the institution would respond in accordance with its established protocols.
βOur focus remains on supporting our campus community,β stated Sharon Turner, the university's spokesperson, in a written statement.
The Office of the Utah Attorney General declined to offer commentary regarding potential legal proceedings.
Legal representatives acting on behalf of Kirk's family contended that government officials committed further oversights, encompassing the failure to execute a comprehensive risk evaluation before granting event authorization, the neglect to institute appropriate security boundaries, and the absence of emergency medical personnel positioned for immediate response, which consequently necessitated Kirk's transportation to an adjacent medical facility via private automobile rather than through emergency ambulance services following the shooting incident.
βTragically, the UVU Parties took none of these safety measures β steps only they had the authority to take β resulting in a situation that rendered Mr. Kirk helpless before his assassin,β Washburn said.
Following the incident, Long reported that his department had deployed six officers to manage the event and collaborated with Kirk's private security contingent, which consisted of eight personnel. Subsequently, the school announced plans to augment its police department in response to the shooting.
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More
