Examining Utah’s Campus Concealed Carry Permits: What the Kirk Shooting Reveals About Campus Safety

As officials investigate the tragic shooting involving far-right activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university, attention has turned to a new state law allowing concealed-carry permit holders to openly carry firearms on campuses. This law, passed just before the incident, has sparked fresh discussions about safety and firearm regulations in educational settings.

Utah already allowed open and concealed carry without a permit since 2021. Once HB 128 passed, individuals with permits could carry firearms visibly on college campuses. This change has raised concerns among university staff and students. They worry about potential classroom emergencies and the risks posed by firearms in labs filled with dangerous chemicals.

The shooting suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, may not have been legally permitted to own the rifle used in the incident, but the timing of the law’s passage has intensified scrutiny. Utah’s lack of extreme risk protection orders—laws that can temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk—adds to the conversation about gun safety. Notably, Utah is one of 29 states that allow concealed carry without a permit.

Historically, many of Utah’s gun policies focused on K-12 schools, emphasizing secure environments. Instead of enforcing strict gun access regulations, lawmakers have heavily invested in physical security measures like automatic locks, surveillance cameras, and armed personnel on campuses.

Proponents of Utah’s relaxed gun laws argue that easy access to firearms can deter crime. Johnny Richardson, a Utah attorney, believes that minimal barriers help lawful citizens express their Second Amendment rights. However, experts like Brandon del Pozo from Brown University caution against relying solely on armed responses. He argues that the deterrent effect assumes rational decision-making, which does not apply to individuals driven by ideological extremism.

Urban policing experiences further underscore the complexities of gun presence during large events. Del Pozo, who previously oversaw security during public gatherings, emphasizes the need for screening in environments where firearms are common.

After the shooting, Utah Valley campus police identified the presence of six officers at the event attended by around 3,000 people, but attendees noted a lack of security measures like metal detectors. This incident has sparked a broader debate about how best to ensure safety in spaces where firearms are openly carried.

For more information on gun laws and safety measures, you can refer to The Trace.

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