Utah Immunity Law Threatens Kirk Family's Wrongful-Death Suit Over Campus Shooting

Charlie Kirk’s family submitted a notice of intent to sue Utah Valley University, asserting that inadequate campus security contributed to his fatal shooting during a September 2025 speech. The complaint cites reduced police staffing, ignored warnings from Kirk’s security team, and the absence of a comprehensive protection plan. Utah’s government-immunity statute, however, grants broad protection to state agencies and officials for discretionary actions, including claims arising from battery, potentially barring the wrongful-death action.

Law professor Tenielle Brown and trial lawyer Neama Rahmani note that such immunity has repeatedly prevented plaintiffs from succeeding, even when officials acted recklessly. The most compelling evidence may be a message from UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long acknowledging rooftop-access concerns and assuring coverage. The case also references prior immunity-driven dismissals, such as the Mika Scott suit against Utah County. UVU has acknowledged the claim and said it will follow its standard legal procedures.