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Security experts interviewed by The Associated Press questioned whether the Charlie Kirk event at Utah Valley University was sufficiently staffed.
While they also acknowledged the limitations of both campus police forces and outdoor venues, they said only the inner ring closest to Kirk appeared to be secure, leaving the outer and middle rings exposed.
Hours after the attack, Jeff Long, the campus police chief, told reporters that six of his officers staffed the debate, and that his department had coordinated with Kirk’s own security team. He said Kirk had been speaking “in a lower area surrounded by buildings” but did not say whether officers had inspected nearby rooftops.
Students and others who attended the event told AP there were no metal detectors or bag checks, though the level of security appeared consistent with other speaking engagements on Kirk’s national tour.
“As soon as I was down by the courtyard in line, I was looking around and I was like ‘I love Charlie, but I have a weird feeling that if something did happen, he would be in a very vulnerable position,’” said Henry Dells, a business owner in Utah County who asked Kirk a question about a minute before the shooting.
Dells said he now can’t close his eyes without seeing graphic flashbacks.
“I just wish they would’ve had more security,” he told AP.
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