Charlie Kirk fatally shot

Charlie Kirk, 31, a Republican political activist, was fatally shot in the neck during “The American Comeback Tour ft. Charlie Kirk” event on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.

Turning Point USA announced Kirk’s death and said he was “murdered by a gunshot” in a statement made to NBC News.

NBC News announced that Kash Patel, the director of the FBI, said a suspect is in custody.

A man named George Zinn was initially detained. He was booked on a charge of obstruction of justice and is not identified as the shooter.

Impact on LSU

Kirk was scheduled to host his event this year at Louisiana State University on Oct. 27. Turning Point USA, the organizers of the tour, have not announced whether the event will be canceled or changed.

The Reveille has announced his death but has also not confirmed whether the event will be canceled.

Nicholls’ security policies

Nicholls students have questioned if this event could initiate security changes on college campuses for future events.

Raydon Dechene, a witness to the shooting, said that she encountered no security when entering the venue at UVU. Other sources corroborated this experience and said they also received no security instructions (clear bag policy, sharp objects policy, etc.).

Nicholls maintains a strict policy prohibiting firearms, ammunition, explosives and other weapons on university grounds. Nicholls’ campus police are authorized to carry firearms.

Whether campus police are required to provide security for all events is difficult to determine from Nicholls’ 2024 Annual Security and Fire Report.

Based on the report, University Police are required at events “in which alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed.”

The report adds that the event hosts must pay for the labor of campus police.

It states that the university prepares for various emergencies and tests its emergency notification systems to ensure functionality.

“The University conducts emergency response exercises each year,” the report said. “Tests are designed to assess and evaluate the emergency plans and capabilities of the University.”

Whether or not these policies will evolve further following Kirk’s death is yet to be determined.