Kirk family files claim alleging Utah and UVU failed to prevent assassination

The Kirk family has taken the first legal step toward suing Utah and Utah Valley University by filing a notice of claim that alleges the state and the university failed to act on promised security measures, leading to Charlie Kirk’s assassination on Sept. 10, 2025. Their attorney, Brett Parkinson, called the killing “entirely preventable” and emphasized that the claim extends the statute of limitations, allowing the family to pursue legal accountability.

UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long, named in the filing, said six officers—about a quarter of the campus police force—were deployed to guard the quad where Kirk spoke to roughly 3,000 people. The university’s senior director of communications, Sharon Turner, confirmed awareness of the claim and said the institution will follow its established legal procedures while focusing on campus support. The filing follows ongoing criminal proceedings, with Utah prosecutors seeking to try suspected shooter Tyler Robinson; a judge has scheduled a further hearing for Oct. 23. The family’s action underscores their demand for justice and highlights questions about campus security protocols.