Concerns Over Security Protocols During Kirk Event
The owner of the security company for Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk, who was killed, expressed frustration about federal and state regulations that limited his ability to protect the event where the shooting occurred. This revelation came during an interview shared on Monday. Kirk was murdered while speaking at a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Brian Harpole from Integrity Security Solutions discussed the incident on “The Sean Ryan Show,” noting that he had the necessary certification to operate drones. However, he was prohibited from using them due to regulations. Harpole stated, “I spent a few thousand dollars last year on a drone and got a buddy license. But if that area is in Provo, Utah airspace, you can’t fly it. It’s a 107B. You can’t break the rules.”
Specific laws govern drone use, including restrictions against flying over people without sufficient shelter. Compliance with federal regulations is mandatory in Utah. Additionally, Harpole mentioned secondary restrictions were likely due to the high number of attendees at the event.
“You can’t just go in and break the rules. There’s a law in place for a reason,” he added. He pointed out that while local police departments had drone units, they weren’t utilized in this situation. Harpole recalled reaching out to the Orem Police Department but found out that the Utah Valley University Police didn’t seek their help.
When asked if he acted with “malice” in not requesting assistance, Harpole emphasized the importance of adhering to the law. “I can’t go in and break the law, and I can’t have my people break the law,” he affirmed.
Harpole also highlighted the dual responsibility of his company: to safeguard against threats while also maintaining the reputation of their clients. He noted that using “surveillance” methods like snipers was also not an option. “This is not the State Department’s business. I don’t have an ITAR, and this is not Iraq,” he explained. “This is Utah. You can’t bring snipers in and set up observation points.”
In a related incident, President Donald Trump experienced an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, resulting in minor injuries for himself but tragic outcomes for others. The attempted assailant was killed nearby before Kirk’s tragic incident.
