The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, has opened a discourse on the safety protocols in place during public events at educational institutions. On September 10 at Utah Valley University, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson allegedly ascended to the rooftop of the Losee Center and fired the shot that killed the 31-year-old father of two. In the wake of the incident, questions about the security details and their scope of coverage have come to light.
Authorities were quick to respond to the event, which drew immediate scrutiny over the security preparations for Kirk, a high-profile conservative figure. Despite the presence of Kirk's private security detail, Robinson’s undetected positioning on the rooftop has led to concerns. The security team's jurisdiction, as clarified by Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet on "The Charlie Kirk Show," did not extend to such areas. Their responsibilities were confined to Kirk's immediate vicinity, with the broader campus environment falling under the purview of local and campus law enforcement.
Kolvet emphasized that without direction from the police, the private security could not secure the rooftops or surrounding perimeters. This delineation of duties between Kirk's security and police forces raises questions about the effectiveness of collaboration in high-risk scenarios. Blake Neff, the producer of "The Charlie Kirk Show," added that Turning Point USA did not employ counter-snipers or specialized tactical surveillance at the event, noting the absence of government-level protection like that of the Secret Service.
The issue of campus police departments not having drone programs was also highlighted by Kolvet, who suggested that such technology should be mandated by law due to its efficacy in covering larger areas during significant events. Drones offer an affordable and effective alternative to helicopters, providing live video feeds that can be critical in monitoring for potential threats. However, the deployment of drones by law enforcement is subject to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, which include restrictions on flights over crowds without special waivers.
The shooting occurred during one of Kirk's frequent campus engagements, which often necessitated heightened security due to the large crowds they attracted. While there were no specific concerns raised by Kirk about the Utah Valley University event, his awareness of risks associated with his appearances was evident from a recounted conversation with Dr. James Orr regarding a subsequent event at the University of Missouri.
The incident has sparked a public outcry, exemplified by a tweet from a user named @Cuban_Writer1, expressing shock and disbelief that amidst a security team, police presence, and thousands of spectators, the shooter was not spotted. This sentiment reflects the broader astonishment and concern over the apparent lapse in security.
