Orem, UT – Utah Republicans passed House Bill 128 during the 2025 General Session, allowing individuals 18 and older with a concealed weapon permit (CWP) to openly carry firearms on college campuses, a law that took effect on May 7, and is now under intense scrutiny following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) earlier today.
The bill, signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on March 25, clarifies that permit holders may carry concealed or openly on public campuses, with university police verifying compliance.
Kirk, 31, a Trump ally and Turning Point USA founder, was shot in the neck during an outdoor event at UVU’s Sorensen Student Center courtyard around 12:10 p.m. MDT, dying shortly after; a suspect remains at large, prompting questions about campus security under the expanded gun laws.
The incident, the first fatal shooting at a Utah public university since 2018, has reignited debates over open carry’s role in campus safety.
HB 128: Expanding Campus Carry Rights
Utah, a constitutional carry state since 2021 allowing permitless concealed carry for those 21 and older, previously required campus firearms to be concealed for permit holders.
HB 128, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Gwynn (R), recodifies dangerous weapons laws and explicitly permits open carry on campuses for those 18+ with a CWP, effective May 7, per the Utah Legislature’s bill text.
The law states: “An individual who may otherwise lawfully possess a firearm may possess a firearm at the individual’s residence, openly possess a firearm in most public locations, and conceal a firearm in most public locations without a concealed carry permit,” including higher education institutions.
University of Utah Chief Safety Officer Keith Squires emphasized in an August 18, statement, “Our highest priority is preserving public safety on campus. As a subdivision of the state, the University of Utah enforces state law, including concealed weapon rules. Equally important is our role in educating members of our campus community about how to responsibly carry a concealed weapon on campus and how to engage with roommates, professors and others to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.” Residents can request non-roommates with firearms, and simulated weapons like Nerf guns are prohibited in housing, per U of U Policy 1-003.
Prior to HB 128, campuses like UVU and the University of Utah implied concealed carry legality but lacked open carry clarity. The bill, passed unanimously in the House (70-0) on February 7 and Senate (25-0) on March 6, was signed amid Utah’s strong gun rights culture, with over 1.2 million CWPs issued. Critics, including Everytown for Gun Safety, argued it increases risks on campuses, citing 394 school shootings since 1999.
Charlie Kirk Shooting at UVU
Kirk was fatally shot during Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour” event at UVU, drawing 1,000+ students to the Sorensen Center courtyard. Video shows Kirk, seated under a tent, recoiling after a single shot from the Losee Center rooftop (200 yards away), per eyewitness Tyler McGettigan to NBC News.
The crowd panicked, with students fleeing as Kirk was rushed to Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital, where he died from the neck wound, per TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet. Kirk’s last X post at 12:05 p.m. read, “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
UVU spokesperson Ellen Treanor confirmed a shot from a nearby building, with no suspect in custody as of 5:00 p.m.; the campus locked down, classes canceled until further notice. Orem PD, UVU Police (15 officers), and FBI agents responded, treating it as targeted.
Kirk brought eight private security, but no metal detectors were used, per attendee Zachary Morris. The FBI’s Kash Patel posted on X, “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting… Agents will be on the scene quickly.”
President Trump posted on Truth Social at 12:45 p.m., “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. God bless him!” Flags were lowered to half-staff until September 14. VP JD Vance wrote on X, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.” Gov. Spencer Cox condemned the violence, briefing Trump.
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Reactions and Gun Law Scrutiny
The shooting has spotlighted HB 128, with critics questioning open carry’s safety. Sen. Luz Escamilla (D-Salt Lake City) posted on X, “Tragic. This is why we need stricter campus gun laws—HB 128 went too far” UVU Police Chief Ben McCormack stated, “We enforce state law, but this tragedy underscores the need for vigilance.” Everytown called for repeal, citing nine fatal college mass shootings since 2007.
Kirk, a Trump ally who mobilized Gen Z in 2024, founded TPUSA in 2012, hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” with 5.2 million followers. His events often drew protests; a 2024 USU petition gathered 7,000 signatures, per Axios.
On X, #CharlieKirkShot trended with 500,000 posts; supporters like @MagaStrong2026 prayed, “Charlie was a warrior—God protect from leftist violence,” critics @BlueWave2026 shared footage, “Hoping for recovery, but campus security failed.”
READ:FBI Seized Folders Labeled ‘Trump I–IV’ During John Bolton Raid
FBI leads the investigation, probing motives; TPUSA canceled events, per CEO Aubrey Laitsch. HB 128’s open carry may face review, with Escamilla pushing repeal.
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