Two months after Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination at Utah Valley University, his security director Brian Harpole unveiled the preventable flaws in the event’s coordination and security measures. Harpole, a veteran law enforcement officer and founder of Integrity Security Solutions, recounted how his team raised multiple concerns in the days leading up to the Sept. 10 event. These concerns revolved around rooftop exposure, drone restrictions, and staffing gaps, yet these warnings were overlooked.
During the event, Harpole emphasized the limitations of their jurisdiction, which confined their role to a specific area around the stage. They relied on campus police for broader coverage, but the promised support didn’t materialize. UVU officials confirmed that an internal review of the incident is ongoing, committed to integrating the findings into their safety protocols to improve campus event security. The university plans to hire additional officers and security managers to strengthen oversight and support for future events.
The tragedy has sparked intense scrutiny over the security lapses surrounding the incident. Harpole’s account highlights the critical need for clear lines of authority and adequate resources to ensure such events are properly secured. The university’s response to the incident, including new safety investments, aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future, as they work towards making campuses safer for all students, employees, and visitors.