Turning Point USA holds large Utah State rally with heavy security after Kirk assassination; bomb squad detonation deemed non‑explosive
Turning Point USA held its first return to Utah since Charlie Kirk’s killing, drawing thousands to Utah State University in Logan with conservative host Alex Clark opening a panel that included Gov. Spencer Cox, Rep. Andy Biggs and former Rep. Jason Chaffetz amid heavy security. A campus building was briefly evacuated when a suspicious package was detonated by the bomb squad and later deemed non‑explosive, and organizers used metal detectors, a no‑bag policy and drones — measures described as more stringent than standard practices at Utah Valley University, site of the Sept. 10 killing.
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🔍 Key Facts
- Turning Point USA held a large rally at Utah State University in Logan that drew "thousands" of supporters and was the group's first return to Utah since Charlie Kirk's killing.
- Conservative podcast host Alex Clark opened the event; the panel included Gov. Spencer Cox, Rep. Andy Biggs and former Rep. Jason Chaffetz.
- Organizers implemented heavy security at the Logan event, including metal detectors, a no‑bag policy and drones overhead.
- A building on the Logan campus was temporarily evacuated before the event after a suspicious package; the bomb squad detonated the package and the university spokesperson, Amanda DeRito, said it was later deemed "non‑explosive."
- Reports noted that Utah Valley University — the site of the Sept. 10 killing — had different, reportedly fewer, standard security practices compared with the heavy measures used at the Logan rally.
📍 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 (2)
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).