A poster of conservative activist Charlie Kirk displayed at a memorial at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, was tragically shot dead earlier this week while participating in an open debate at Utah Valley University.
Months before the fatal attack, Kris Herzog, a security expert and owner of the Bodyguard Group of Beverly Hills, had warned Kirk that his life was in imminent danger. Herzog, whose firm specializes in protecting high-profile individuals, met the 31-year-old conservative influencer during an event at California State University on March 6.
As reported by The Mirror, Herzog issued Kirk a stark warning that there was a “100 per cent chance” he would be targeted if he continued speaking at university campuses without stronger protective measures.
Herzog revealed that his team assessed Kirk’s security setup and found it “not even close” to adequate. He emphasised the need for bulletproof glass panels and metal detectors covering a wide perimeter of at least 700 meters to screen attendees. Herzog also warned that a sniper could target Kirk’s head, making ballistic glass protection critical.
Kirk apparently listened to some of the suggestions, but he didn’t get in touch with Herzog again. “My prediction of his murder has come true," Herzog told the Daily Mail, adding, “sadly, he never got back to me."
Mark Wilson, a colleague of Herzon who also attended the California event, confirmed having a direct conversation with Kirk about his lack of security.
“We are huge Turning Point fans, being conservatives, and we’d discussed the lack of security because he’s up close with these nutcase kids and doesn’t appear that he ever wears a bulletproof vest,” Wilson told the Daily Mail.
Wilson added, “It’s super sad what has happened.”
The tragedy has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for better security protocols for public figures at university events.