Charlie Kirk’s Family Intends to Sue University, Police Dept., and Others

Charlie Kirk’s family is preparing to pursue legal action against Utah Valley University and the state of Utah, alleging that security failures contributed to the circumstances surrounding his killing in 2025. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and their two children filed a notice of claim, a procedural step required before bringing certain lawsuits against government entities in Utah. The filing accuses UVU, the state and several officials of contributing to Kirk’s wrongful death.

The family argues that the possibility of an attack from a nearby rooftop should have received greater attention before Kirk’s Sept. 10, 2025 appearance at the university’s Orem campus.

According to the filing, Turning Point USA organizers specifically raised concerns about rooftop access before the event. Organizers reportedly told UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long that students had indicated the roof of the Sorenson Center could be accessed.

One message cited in the filing asked university police to secure the area or allow a member of Kirk’s private security team to be positioned there. Long allegedly responded, “I got you covered.”

Kirk, 31, was later shot while addressing an outdoor crowd of roughly 3,000 people. Authorities said the suspected gunman fired from the roof of the nearby Losee Center.

Erika Kirk put Utah on notice a year after her husband was shot. Charlie Kirk was killed on 10 September 2025 at Utah Valley University, one round from a rooftop while he spoke to about 3,000 people on the American Comeback Tour. The family filed a notice of claim on 9 September… pic.twitter.com/g5S0gpwwJ6

— ChaosLensX (@ChaosLensX) September 16, 2026

Attorneys representing the family contend the attack could have been prevented if promised security measures had been carried out. Attorney Brett Parkinson said Kirk’s murder “was entirely preventable” and blamed alleged failures involving rooftop protection.

The filing also alleges that UVU failed to conduct an adequate threat assessment, prepare a meaningful written security plan or hold a sufficient security briefing before the event. It further claims Kirk was placed in an exposed outdoor location surrounded by elevated buildings.

Only six campus police officers were allegedly assigned to the event. The family’s filing says Long sought approval to deploy additional officers but that the request was denied by then-UVU President Astrid Tuminez.

The notice further alleges campus police did not request assistance from neighboring departments after the request for additional officers was rejected. It also raises concerns about the emergency medical response following the shooting.

According to the filing, Kirk was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital in a private vehicle rather than an ambulance. The family also argues that UVU controlled security measures—including barricades, metal detectors, access restrictions and rooftop security—that Kirk’s private team could not independently implement.

Another allegation involves campus surveillance cameras. Attorneys said footage later reviewed during criminal proceedings showed the suspected shooter moving across the Losee Building roof, arguing that real-time monitoring could have allowed security personnel to respond earlier.

The notice raises potential wrongful-death and constitutional claims but does not specify an amount of damages being sought. UVU said it is “aware of the notice of claim” and handles legal matters through its established procedures.

The university added, “Our focus remains on supporting our campus community.”

The family maintains that Kirk had reason to expect the university would provide a safe venue after approving the event. The notice alleges he was instead “exposed to the danger of a rooftop shooter that took his life.”

The allegations have not been proven in court. Filing a notice of claim begins a legal process but does not by itself establish that UVU, the state or any individual official was legally responsible for Kirk’s death.