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
Rep. Elise Stefanik's new book on campus antisemitism tops Amazon bestseller list as she launches book tour

Elise Stefanik’s Book on Campus Antisemitism Climbs to Top of Amazon’s Bestsellers; Kicks Off Nationwide Tour

WASHINGTON — On the day of its release, Rep. Elise Stefanik’s latest…
DOJ seeks to vacate Jan 6 convictions in sweeping move tied to Trump order

DOJ Moves to Overturn January 6 Convictions Following Trump Directive

The Justice Department took significant action on Tuesday by filing motions aimed…
Illegal immigrant driver charged with DUI after car veers off road, kills two children on bikes: police

Tragic DUI Incident: Undocumented Driver Faces Charges After Fatal Accident Claims Lives of Two Children in Biking Tragedy

An undocumented immigrant, reportedly so impaired he couldn’t stand, is accused of…
Islanders fans rally behind jailed ‘cooler cop’ Erik Duran after launch of defense legal fund

Islanders Fans Unite to Support Jailed ‘Cooler Cop’ Erik Duran with New Defense Fund

In a powerful show of support, fans of the New York Islanders…
Macron under fire over Iran, Hezbollah policy as Trump admin hosts Israel-Lebanon talks

Macron Faces Criticism Over Iran and Hezbollah Stance Amid Trump Administration’s Key Israel-Lebanon Negotiations

French President Emmanuel Macron is again under scrutiny for his perceived lack…
Vile fraudsters try to cash in on sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty

Fraudsters Exploit Tragic Loss of Sheriff’s Deputy for Financial Gain

Fraudsters are exploiting the tragic death of Tulare County Detective Randy Hoppert…
Gavin Newsom announces special election to fill Eric Swalwell's House seat

Breaking News: Gavin Newsom Calls Special Election to Replace Eric Swalwell in Congress

In an unexpected political twist, Governor Gavin Newsom is racing to appoint…
Camp Mystic official says he didn't see flood warnings issued the day before storm hit

Camp Mystic’s Unforeseen Flood: Why Crucial Warnings Went Unnoticed

The tragic events at a Texas summer camp in 2025, where 27…
Teen takeover spirals into chaos—gunfire reported as police rush in day after leaders call for calm

Teen Turmoil: Gunfire Erupts Amid Chaos Despite Leaders’ Plea for Peace

The usually serene streets of downtown Detroit were engulfed in chaos on…
West Suburban hospital update: Fight over shuttered safety-net hospital in Oak Park, Illinois heads to Cook County court

Legal Battle Intensifies Over Closed Safety-Net Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois

The contentious closure of a safety net hospital in Oak Park, Illinois,…
Colombia to cull dozens of Pablo Escobar's 'cocaine hippos'

Colombia Plans to Relocate Pablo Escobar’s Famous ‘Cocaine Hippos

In a decisive move on Monday, Colombian authorities approved a plan to…
Could Somaliland base emerge as US foothold against Iran, Houthis in key sea lanes?

Somaliland’s Strategic Base: A New US Stronghold Against Iran and Houthi Threats in Vital Sea Lanes?

Africom general visits Somaliland in November U.S. Air Force General Dagvin Anderson,…