Charlie Kirk's family moves to sue Utah Valley University, the state and key individuals for wrongful death
FILE - Conservative political activist and founder of Turning Point Action Charlie Kirk takes the stage during a Turning Point Action 'United for Change' campaign rally for former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Tho
Charlie Kirk's family has filed a notice of claim against Utah Valley University, the state of Utah, and key individuals involved in campus leadership and security decisions. The family alleges that their failures led to the wrongful death of the founder of Turning Point USA.
What we know:
A notice of claim is a precursor to a lawsuit. The notice, filed Sept, 9, reads: "The risk of a rooftop shooter should have been especially top-of-mind given the attempted assassination of President Trump, Charlie Kirk’s close friend and political ally, by a rooftop shooter the previous year." It is signed by Kirk family attorneys Loren Washburn, Brett Parkinson and Clifford Parkinson.
The prospective plaintiffs in the filing are Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and their two juvenile children. The filing also acknowledges potential claims from his parents, Robert and Kathryn. The filing does not specify monetary damages.
In one alleged exchange cited in the filing, Turning Point USA organizers told UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long that UVU students had informed them of rooftop access to the Sorenson Center, a building "pretty close" to where Kirk would be speaking the day he was killed — and directly west of the Losee Center, which is where his alleged killer fired the shot from.
"If this is true, it would be nice to either have it controlled access or allow one of my guys to be there as well," someone at TPUSA wrote to the chief, according to the filing. "If possible."
"I got you covered," was Long's alleged reply.
Read the notice:
RELATED: Charlie Kirk's family: Who are his wife, kids, parents?
The backstory:
Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder for the killing of Kirk. Kirk was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem when investigators say Tyler Robinson fired a single shot from a building about 140 yards away, striking Kirk, 31, and killing him.
Earlier this month, Robinson pleaded not guilty to an aggravated murder charge. Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted. A trial date has not been set.
FILE- In this handout image provided by the Office of the Governor of Utah, Tyler Robinson stands for a booking photo on September 12, 2025, in Spanish Fork, Utah. (Photo by Office of the Governor of Utah via Getty Images)
What they're saying:
"His murder was entirely preventable and, in fact, would not have happened had the State of Utah and UVU followed through on their stated security promises, which included protecting the rooftops surrounding the quad where Charlie was speaking," said Brett Parkinson, counsel for the Kirk family. "Those failures not only robbed Charlie Kirk of his life, but also robbed his family of their husband, father, son, and brother, with impacts that will compound for the rest of their lives."
The other side:
A spokesperson for Utah Valley University said the school was aware of the notice and would address it "consistent with our established processes."
"Our focus remains on supporting our campus community," spokesperson Sharon Turner said in a statement.
The Utah Attorney General’s Office said it does not comment on potential litigation.
The Source: This article includes information from FOX News, The Associated Press, and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.