Two weeks after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, new details have emerged about security protocols and who had responsibility for monitoring the rooftop from which the alleged shooter fired the fatal shot.
Authorities identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the suspect in the Sept. 10 attack at Utah Valley University.
Robinson is accused of climbing to the roof of the Losee Center and firing at Kirk during a campus event, fatally striking the 31-year-old conservative activist and father of two.
The shooting drew immediate questions about security preparations for the high-profile speaker.
Kirk’s private security detail was stationed close by, raising concerns over how Robinson was able to position himself without being detected.
On Wednesday afternoon, Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet addressed the matter on “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
Kolvet explained the limits of Kirk’s security team’s authority during campus speaking engagements.
“In defense of our security team, people need to understand that they do not have jurisdiction on the rooftops or the surrounding area,” Kolvet said.
“Their only jurisdiction on a campus is Charlie’s physical proximity, and they were coordinating with local PD and campus PD to make sure all of those venues [were secure].”
Kolvet stated that the security detail’s responsibility was limited to Kirk’s immediate proximity, and the wider campus environment was the responsibility of law enforcement.
He said the private security team could not independently secure rooftops or surrounding perimeters without direction from police.
Blake Neff, producer of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” added that Turning Point USA did not have counter snipers or specialized tactical surveillance at the Utah Valley University event.
He noted that the private security detail was not equipped to perform the kind of monitoring typically associated with government protection agencies such as the Secret Service.
Kolvet pointed out that many campus police departments lack drone technology, which can be used to secure rooftops and monitor larger areas during major events.
“Many campus PDs do not have drone programs, which is a big problem,” Kolvet said.
“I’m actually working on that because it’s something they should all have. It should be mandated by some sort of law. … So anyway, just in quick defense of the security, they’re only allowed to protect his immediate vicinity. They have to rely on PD to secure the larger perimeter.”
Drones have become increasingly common among law enforcement agencies for monitoring crowd activity, traffic patterns and potential threats.
They are less expensive and more rapidly deployable than helicopters, and they provide live video feeds to command centers. However, Fox News highlighted that police departments must still comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
These regulations restrict flights over large groups of people without special waivers.
The fatal shooting occurred during one of Kirk’s many campus appearances.
Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA in 2012, had built a national platform through college events, radio programs, and political commentary.
His speaking engagements often drew large crowds and required heightened security arrangements.
While Kolvet said Kirk did not express specific concerns about the Utah Valley University event, others close to him said he was aware of risks surrounding future appearances.
Dr. James Orr, a guest speaker on “The Charlie Kirk Show,” recounted a conversation with Kirk about a planned event at the University of Missouri on Sept. 29.
“We were putting plans in place for me to go with him to the University of Missouri,” Orr said.
“[Kirk] said, ‘You know, that’s going to be the tough one. That’s where it’s riskiest. That’s the one that’s going to be the most dangerous.’ I said, ‘Well, I hope you got a lot of good security.’ He said, ‘Yeah, it’s all sorted. Don’t worry about it.’”
