Utah State Students Vow to Stay Politically Active Despite Safety Fears After Charlie Kirk Assassination
Turning Point’s return to Utah State University in Logan drew thousands and unfolded under heightened security — metal detectors, a no‑bag policy and drones overhead — after a campus building was briefly evacuated when a package was detonated by the bomb squad and later deemed non‑explosive. Students interviewed said they would remain politically active despite safety fears, with several attending their first conservative event, and the program included conservative figures such as Alex Clark, Gov. Spencer Cox, Rep. Andy Biggs and former Rep. Jason Chaffetz; reporting noted Utah Valley University, site of the Sept. 10 killing, had reportedly maintained fewer standard security measures.
Public Safety
Politics
Education
🔍 Key Facts
- Turning Point made its first return to Utah since Charlie Kirk's killing with an event at Utah State University in Logan that drew "thousands" of supporters.
- The event was opened by conservative podcast host Alex Clark and featured a panel including Gov. Spencer Cox, Rep. Andy Biggs and former Rep. Jason Chaffetz.
- A building on the Logan campus was temporarily evacuated after a suspicious package; the bomb squad detonated the package and the university (spokesperson Amanda DeRito) said it was later deemed non‑explosive and events resumed.
- Organizers used heightened security at the Logan event — including metal detectors, a no‑bag policy and drones overhead — a contrast noted with reportedly fewer standard security measures at Utah Valley University, the site of the Sept. 10 killing.
- Attendees gave a range of first‑hand reactions — from saying they felt no personal fear to expressing concern for family safety — but multiple students said they will continue political activism despite safety concerns.
- Several students said the Logan gathering was their first conservative political event, indicating fresh local engagement in conservative organizing.
📍 Contextual Background
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation, described the incident as an act of targeted violence, and sent about 100 federal agents to Grand Blanc Township.
- Law enforcement agencies respond to active shooter incidents and may engage and neutralize suspects at the scene.
- Officers were on scene within 30 seconds of a 911 call, and two officers pursued the attacker after he left the church and fatally shot him about eight minutes later in an exchange of gunfire.
- During the standoff authorities negotiated with the suspect and used gas, projectiles to break windows, and a surveillance drone; officers entered the house at about 06:15 on 2025-09-28 and found the suspect dead, and officers did not fire their weapons.
- On 2025-09-29, the Grand Blanc Community Schools System closed all 13 campuses (pre-school through high school).
📰 Sources (3)
Utah students refuse to stay silent after Charlie Kirk assassination despite safety concerns
New information:
- Multiple direct attendee quotes (first-name basis) expressing a range of responses — from no personal fear to specific worry about family safety — and explicit statements that they will continue political activism.
- Several students reported this was their first conservative political event, indicating fresh local engagement in conservative organizing.
- University statement quoted confirming the bomb-squad detonation and that the device was deemed non-explosive, allowing events to resume (verbatim phrasing included).
Turning Point, moving forward without Charlie Kirk, makes first return to Utah since his killing
New information:
- Event drew 'thousands' of supporters at Utah State University in Logan.
- Conservative podcast host Alex Clark opened the event; panel included Gov. Spencer Cox, Rep. Andy Biggs and former Rep. Jason Chaffetz.
- A building on the Logan campus was temporarily evacuated before the event; a package was detonated by the bomb squad and later deemed 'non‑explosive' (university spokesperson Amanda DeRito quoted).
- The AP piece highlights that Utah Valley University (site of the Sept. 10 killing) had different, reportedly fewer, standard security practices compared with the heavy measures at the Logan event (metal detectors, no‑bag policy, drones overhead).