Students Return to Utah Valley University Following Charlie Kirk Shooting

In the wake of the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU), the campus community is beginning to return and process the tragedy with heightened security and mental health resources in place. A growing makeshift memorial on campus reflects the grief and confusion felt by students and visitors, while the university and FBI have established a victim services center to provide support and return personal belongings left behind during the evacuation. UVU has implemented a phased reopening plan that emphasizes healing and transparency, including town halls and discussions focused on core community values to help students and staff come together. Witnesses and students have described the emotional toll and ongoing anxiety but also express a desire to overcome fear and bond as a community. The FBI has deployed a multidisciplinary victim services team, including specially trained facility dogs, to assist those affected. With classes set to resume, UVU aims to foster a sense of strength and care among its students and faculty as they navigate the aftermath.