Charlie Kirk’s family is evaluating a possible wrongful death lawsuit against Utah, Utah Valley University and university officials over alleged security failures surrounding his fatal shooting. The family’s notice of claim alleges that officials accepted responsibility for protecting rooftops near the event but failed to secure them. A text allegedly sent by UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long saying “I got you covered” could support an argument that Utah’s governmental immunity protections should not block a civil claim. Legal analysts caution that Utah law remains a significant hurdle.
| No. | Article Subheadings |
|---|---|
| 1 | The family’s legal claim and alleged security promises |
| 2 | Why Utah immunity law creates a major obstacle |
| 3 | How the police chief’s text could affect the case |
| 4 | The alleged gaps in rooftop and camera surveillance |
| 5 | The criminal case and possible civil litigation |
The family’s legal claim and alleged security promises
The Kirk family filed a notice of claim in Utah, a preliminary step required before pursuing certain claims against government entities. The filing names the state, Utah Valley University and officials connected to the event held at the university in Orem on September 10, 2025. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking during his “American Comeback Tour” when he was fatally shot in the neck from a rooftop.
The family alleges that UVU and state officials failed to secure the event despite acknowledging responsibility for rooftops surrounding the campus courtyard. Their attorney, Brett Parkinson, said the shooting would not have occurred if officials had followed through on their security commitments.
Why Utah immunity law creates a major obstacle
Utah’s Governmental Immunity Act broadly protects government entities and employees from civil damages claims arising from many government actions. The protections can apply when plaintiffs allege that officials failed to perform their duties and when the harm was caused by another person’s criminal conduct.
Randolph Rice, a Maryland trial attorney and former prosecutor, said the law could make a wrongful death claim against Utah and the university difficult to pursue. A separate case brought by the family of Gabby Petito against the Moab Police Department was dismissed on governmental immunity grounds, and that family has appealed.
How the police chief’s text could affect the case
The filing alleges that UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long responded to concerns about rooftop access near the campus courtyard by writing, “I got you covered.” The message could be important because Kirk was later shot by a sniper positioned on a rooftop.
Randolph Rice said the family could argue that event organizers detrimentally relied on the assurance. Under that theory, the message would show that officials represented that rooftop security had been addressed, leading organizers to proceed while relying on the university’s stated protection. Attorney Skye Lazaro said she could not determine whether the text alone would overcome Utah’s immunity law, but it could strengthen the family’s position if it files a lawsuit.
The alleged gaps in rooftop and camera surveillance
The notice alleges that no police officer was physically stationed at the relevant rooftop locations during the event. It also claims that no one monitored surveillance camera feeds in real time as the suspected shooter moved through campus.
The family contends that the absence of personnel and live monitoring allowed the suspect to reach the firing position without being stopped. Whether those alleged failures legally caused Kirk’s death would be central to any civil case. The defense could argue that the shooting was an independent criminal act and that governmental immunity applies despite the alleged operational shortcomings.
The criminal case and possible civil litigation
Tyler Robinson, 23, is accused of killing Kirk and faces an aggravated murder charge. His lawyers entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf at an arraignment on September 1. Prosecutors could seek the death penalty if he is convicted of the top charge.
The criminal proceeding is separate from any potential wrongful death action. The notice of claim preserves a route for developing civil allegations, but it does not guarantee that a lawsuit will be filed or survive an immunity challenge. The outcome could depend on the wording of the text, documented security responsibilities, surveillance evidence and the interpretation of Utah’s immunity exceptions.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Kirk family filed a notice of claim against Utah, UVU and related officials. |
| 2 | Utah’s Governmental Immunity Act could block many civil damages claims. |
| 3 | An alleged “I got you covered” text may support a detrimental-reliance argument. |
| 4 | The filing alleges a lack of rooftop officers and real-time camera monitoring. |
| 5 | Any civil case would proceed separately from the criminal prosecution of Tyler Robinson. |
Summary
The alleged text from Jeffrey Long could give Charlie Kirk’s family an argument for avoiding or narrowing Utah’s governmental immunity protections. The family must still establish that officials made enforceable security representations, organizers relied on them and the alleged failures legally contributed to Kirk’s death. The notice of claim begins that process, but any civil lawsuit remains subject to significant legal and factual challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Kirk family file?
The family filed a notice of claim against Utah, Utah Valley University and related officials as a preliminary step toward a possible wrongful death lawsuit.
Why is the alleged text message important?
The message allegedly assured event organizers that rooftop security was covered. The family may argue that organizers relied on that assurance when proceeding with the event.
What is governmental immunity?
Governmental immunity is legal protection that can shield public entities and employees from civil damages claims, including some claims involving failures to perform official duties.
Is a civil lawsuit guaranteed?
No. The notice of claim does not guarantee that a lawsuit will be filed or succeed. Any case would likely face disputes over immunity, causation and the evidence surrounding event security.
