Utah college where Charlie Kirk was killed is a lesser-known school but the state's largest
Share this @internewscast.com

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah college where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was tragically shot and killed on Wednesday is Utah’s largest public university, largely due to rapid enrollment growth over recent years, yet it remains less renowned than other institutions in the state.

Founded in 1941 under a different name, Utah Valley University began as a vocational school focused on war production training. It didn’t start offering four-year degrees until the 1990s—a change that led to a fivefold increase in student numbers over three decades. The university now enrolls nearly 47,000 students, according to its website.

Almost 90% of the students at the Orem-based university are from Utah, and 18% are 25 years or older. Popular majors include business and psychology.

The university’s campus is positioned conveniently off a major highway, approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City, home to the state’s flagship University of Utah.

It is also located only a few miles from Brigham Young University, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church.

Utah is among 14 states that permit some form of concealed carry of firearms on public university campuses. FBI Director Kash Patel initially stated via social media that a “subject” had been detained but later clarified that the person was released following questioning.

A person of interest in Wednesday’s shooting was in custody, officials said, but no information has been released about whether that person was legally carrying a weapon.

The Utah Valley University Wolverines have several athletic teams, including men’s and women’s basketball teams that play in the Western Athletic Conference.

___

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's money man, Charles Manson's cult, 'Smiley Face' killer theory

The Untold Story of Alex Murdaugh: Greed and Corruption Topple a Lowcountry Legal Dynasty

The dramatic saga of Alex Murdaugh, a once-respected legal figure from South…
'No Kings' protest in St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s ‘No Kings’ Protest Draws Attention: Citizens Rally for Equality and Justice

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Protesters gathered in St. Augustine on Saturday as…
Illinois State University teacher's assistant flips Turning Point USA table, tears down flyers: 'Jesus did it'

Illinois State University TA Sparks Controversy by Dismantling Turning Point USA Display: ‘Inspired by Jesus

An Illinois State University teaching assistant found himself in legal trouble after…
Louvre museum closed after robbery, French official says

Shocking Heist Forces Louvre Museum Closure: French Authorities Investigate

In an audacious heist, thieves infiltrated the Louvre museum in Paris, making…
After Trying to Shield Politicians From AI Mockery, Gavin Newsom Vetoes Wider Effort to Protect Kids

Gavin Newsom Rejects Bill Aimed at Shielding Children from AI Mockery, Following Political Protection Effort

It seems that a week seldom passes without California Governor Gavin Newsom…
Israel strikes Gaza after it says Hamas attacked across ceasefire line

Israel Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Gaza Following Alleged Hamas Ceasefire Breach

Israel launched strikes on targets in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday…
South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access

Historic Breakthrough: South African Rowers of Color Make Waves at the Prestigious Charles Regatta

BOSTON (AP) — In a groundbreaking moment, a group of four rowers…
Convicted child killer of Etan Patz must be retried by June deadline or walk free from custody: judge

Urgent Retrial Deadline Looms for Convicted Child Killer of Etan Patz: Freedom at Stake

In a significant development, a federal judge has ruled that a man…
The Great Lakes: Protecting Our Natural Wonder from pollution, climate change, invasive species, overuse

Safeguarding the Great Lakes: Tackling Pollution, Climate Change, and Invasive Species for a Sustainable Future

Chicago’s Lake Michigan is often hailed as a natural marvel, offering residents…
Orionid Meteor Shower returns | What to know

Spectacular Orionid Meteor Shower 2023: Essential Viewing Tips and Peak Dates Revealed

Prepare to witness nature’s celestial display as the Orionid meteor shower returns…
Photos of Eitan Levi, Uriel Baruch, and Tamir Nimrodi over photo of Israeli flag

IDF Discovers Anomalies: Hamas Returns Unidentified Body, Sparking Mystery Among Hostage Families

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that one of the…

Remembering Sam Rivers: Limp Bizkit Bassist’s Impactful Legacy Lives On at 48

Sam Rivers, the bassist and a founding member of the iconic band…