On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, a conservative Christian activist was assassinated at Utah Valley University by Tyler Robinson, using a rifle from a high ground rooftop position overlooking the venue.

What could have been done to prevent this tragic event, and what can be done in the future to secure events, both outdoor and indoor venues?

Outdoor events represent a more difficult solution based on high ground issues, as well as controlling the attendees to the event, especially if the participants are not ticketed and identified. Indoor events are much easier to secure because there should be no high ground issues and check points are easier to develop to check bags and to observe the crowd before they enter the building. Security personnel should have magnetometers or at least handheld wands at the checkpoints to prevent weapons being brought into the venue. This applies for outdoor and indoor events.

The concept of preparing security for an event is to address the three rings of security, outer perimeter, middle perimeter, and inner perimeter.

First, a security risk vulnerability assessment should be required and a plan developed around designed basis threats that could occur at the event.

Second, a security professional should address the outer perimeter to determine if there are high ground concerns. Ideally if there are buildings overlooking the venue a request should be made to the property managers to lock down the building after a security sweep has been conducted. For rooftops if local police do not have enough assets available, known and vetted volunteers should be positioned on top of the buildings wearing a distinctive yellow vest with security written on the front and back. Each volunteer should be issued a radio for instant communications. A security professional should be tasked with monitoring the outer perimeter and roof tops with drones.

Third, the middle perimeter should have strong fencing with check point entrances. This allows security personnel to search bags and to observe the crowd to detect any suspicious behavior or dysfunctional behaviors that indicate a person maybe a threat.

Fourth, barriers such as fencing or cement blocks should be between the speaker’s platform and the crowd. Anyone entering the inner perimeter should be vetted and issued a colored band to authorize them to be close to the speaker.

Lastly, trained security personnel should be issued an emergency response plan to address any threats or attacks on the designated speaker. A vehicle, preferably an SUV should be stashed near the inner perimeter in the event an escape is required.

Talon provides security professionals to prepare security assessments and preparations to secure events, as well as emergency response plans.