Utah Valley University Increases Security After Charlie Kirk Assassination
Following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on September 10, Utah Valley University (UVU) is expanding its security measures and police presence on campus.
New Security Measures
A UVU spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the university will add eight new police officers and two security managers to enhance oversight and support for campus events.
Criticism and Concerns
The university faced heavy criticism for its insufficient security leading up to the fatal shooting. Campus police had warned for years that their force was understaffed for the university’s population of 46,000 students. On the day of the shooting, only six officers were on duty.
Role of Campus Police
“University police officers play a vital role in maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment by enforcing local, state, and federal laws while upholding the university’s values of respect, integrity, and inclusion.” – Ellen Treanor, UVU associate vice president of strategic communications
She added that officers protect students, staff, visitors, and property while focusing on proactive crime prevention, education, and community engagement.
UVU’s Response
- Hiring eight additional police officers
- Adding two new security managers
- Increasing presence for campus events
The university aims to create a safer campus environment by addressing prior staffing concerns and improving its security protocols.