Skip to content

University of Utah's Emergency Warning System Under Scrutiny Following Charlie Kirk's Gunshot Incident

UVU under fire for late and contradictory emergency notifications after Charlie Kirk's assassination, causing confusion on campus; issues includes mass notifications, lockdown procedures, shelter-in-place instructions, and Run Hide Fight protocol.

University Emergency Warning System under Scrutiny following Charlie Kirk Shooting Incident
University Emergency Warning System under Scrutiny following Charlie Kirk Shooting Incident

University of Utah's Emergency Warning System Under Scrutiny Following Charlie Kirk's Gunshot Incident

Last Wednesday, conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot during an event at University of Florida (UF). The incident has sent shockwaves through the campus community and sparked a conversation about the effectiveness of emergency messaging systems at universities.

The initial emergency alert sent by UF incorrectly stated that the shooter had been captured, causing confusion among students and faculty. It took approximately 19 minutes for the first official alert to be sent out, a delay that has been criticised by many.

The emergency notification systems at UF are managed by the university's Department of Public Safety. However, the subsequent five hours saw a dozen messages dispatched, raising questions about the efficiency of the system. Unfortunately, some students reported not receiving alerts for up to 30 minutes.

In the absence of clear and timely communication from the university, students and faculty turned to social media and word of mouth for information. This reliance on unofficial sources has led to a wave of criticism regarding the performance of UF's emergency alert system during the crisis.

The Salt Lake Tribune and Fox66 have reported on the incident, highlighting the confusion and fear that gripped the campus during those critical hours. The university has yet to issue an "all clear" notification until 5:47 p.m., further fuelling concerns about the effectiveness of their emergency response protocols.

UF has not yet made a statement regarding the incident or the performance of their emergency alert system. As the investigation continues, the university and its community are left to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting and the questions it raises about the preparedness and communication during a crisis.

Read also:

Latest