On Tuesday afternoon, a scenario unfolded at Utah State University (USU) that demanded the attention of law enforcement officials. A "suspicious device" was identified outside Old Main, a landmark building on the campus, mere hours before a scheduled event by conservative organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA). The situation emerged in the wake of the tragic assassination of TPUSA's founder, Charlie Kirk, earlier in September, thereby casting a shadow of heightened security concerns over the gathering.
Authorities were summoned to the site after a vigilant campus employee noticed an individual placing the object under a tree near Old Main. With suspicious circumstances evident, the bomb squad was called to assess the situation. Ellis Bruch, USU Executive Director of Public Safety, revealed that a K-9 unit exhibited a reaction to the device, prompting the bomb squad to perform a controlled detonation as a precautionary measure. The loud explosion that ensued was captured in a video obtained by Fox News, with the phrase "fire in the hole" audible moments before the detonation.
Thankfully, the device was deemed nonexplosive, and the bomb squad's intervention ensured that no injuries occurred. The university’s swift response allowed for the clearance of Old Main and the resumption of all planned activities, including the TPUSA event.
The TPUSA gathering was set to feature prominent conservative figures, such as Alex Clark, Senator Mike Lee, Governor Spencer Cox, Representative Andy Biggs, and former Congressman Jason Chaffetz. This marked the first TPUSA event in the state since Charlie Kirk's death on September 10 at Utah Valley University. Kirk's alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
In response to the potential threat, USU had already implemented stringent security measures comparable to those used at athletic events. These included mandatory magnetometer screening for all attendees, restrictions on personal belongings, and prohibitions on re-entry after leaving the venue. Firearms, while legal under Utah law for concealed carry permit holders, were subject to additional scrutiny.
The precautions underscored the university's commitment to safety, as officials emphasized collaboration with law enforcement to ensure the security of participants and guest speakers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining an open, academic environment and the imperative need for vigilance in today's increasingly complex security landscape.
