Charlie Kirk's killing raises the stakes for campus security

"Any time you have this type of violence, it's a game changer,"

"You're constantly trying to evaluate the security need versus the freedom on campus. It's a constant balancing act that police chiefs do on a daily basis. And sometimes people don't like it,"

"Whether it's Charlie Kirk or Salman Rushdie ... these folks who are brave enough to come out and talk about their own controversial views in front of large numbers of people, that's a fundamental part of how our democracy is supposed to work,"

"And there's nowhere that's more important than on college campuses."

Charlie Kirk was assassinated at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University that drew about 3,000 people, with authorities believing the fatal shot came from a rooftop overlooking the amphitheater. Six university police officers were assigned to the event and Kirk had a private security detail, yet some attendees reported minimal visible security and no bag checks. Campus law enforcement leaders note there is no single formula for staffing controversial events and that decisions hinge on assessed risk and balancing safety with campus freedoms. Civil liberties groups warn that violence against speakers undermines democratic debate and stress campus protections for free expression.

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