Charlie Kirk’s family has filed a notice of intent to sue Utah Valley University, alleging inadequate security before his September 10, 2025 campus shooting. The filing names former UVU president Astrid Tuminez and Police Chief Jeffrey Long and claims warnings about rooftop access and requests for additional officers were ignored. Legal experts warn Utah’s broad government-immunity statute — which can bar claims arising from battery — may make it difficult for the family to recover damages even if they can prove security failures. Separate criminal proceedings against the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson, continue.
Kirk Family Files Notice Against UVU — Utah Immunity Law Could Block Wrongful-Death Claim
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The family of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has filed a notice of intent to sue Utah Valley University (UVU), alleging serious security lapses before his fatal shooting at a campus event on September 10, 2025. Legal experts warn that Utah’s broad government-immunity statute may make it difficult for the family to recover damages even if they can show mistakes by university officials.
Instagram | Erika Lane Kirk
What the Filing Alleges
The notice, filed on September 9, 2026 — one day before the first anniversary of Kirk’s death — names UVU and singles out then-university president Astrid Tuminez and University Police Chief Jeffrey Long. The family’s attorneys say campus security declined requests for additional officers and did not adequately address warnings from Kirk’s security detail about rooftop access near the Sorenson Center, which prosecutors say was the vantage point used by the alleged shooter.
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According to the notice, Chief Long told Kirk’s security team, "I got you covered," after being informed of rooftop-access concerns.
Legal Hurdles: Utah’s Government-Immunity Statute
Attorney Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital that the alleged statement could be used to argue the university assumed responsibility for Kirk’s protection and then failed to carry it out. However, University of Utah law professor Tenielle Brown notes that Utah’s immunity law offers unusually broad protection for state actors in claims arising from battery, including gunshot wounds.
Instagram | Erika Kirk
"Even if state actors were reckless, they retain immunity in cases that arise out of a battery," Brown said, explaining why wrongful-death suits in Utah face a steep legal climb. She cited previous cases in which plaintiffs alleged government carelessness but were barred from recovery by the statute.
Facebook | Amber Robinson
Criminal Case Continues
The civil notice comes as criminal proceedings against the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson, continue. Prosecutors allege Robinson fired at Kirk from the nearby Losee Center while Kirk addressed the crowd. In related court proceedings, Robinson’s roommate Lance Twiggs said Robinson expressed regret in a recorded interview and allegedly confirmed messages in which he admitted the killing; those remarks were presented as Twiggs’ account, not a judicial finding of guilt.
Instagram | Erika Kirk
Personal Fallout
Beyond legal questions, Kirk’s death has deeply affected his family. He and his wife, Erika, had two young children and had publicly discussed plans to grow their family. In interviews since the shooting, Erika Kirk has spoken about the personal loss and its impact on the family’s future plans.
What Comes Next
The notice of intent starts a likely civil dispute that will test whether Utah’s immunity protections bar recovery even when plaintiffs allege significant security failures by a public university. UVU has acknowledged receipt of the notice but declined to discuss the specifics, saying the university addresses legal matters through established processes while supporting its campus community.
Note: This article reports allegations from the family’s filing and statements from court proceedings. The alleged shooter has not been convicted in connection with the civil claims discussed here.
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