Grok tonight’s answer on who was Kirk’s security team
Yes, as confirmed in previous responses and SSG's own public statement, the Shaffer Security Group (SSG) was not involved in providing security for Charlie Kirk or the Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10, 2025. Their contract with TPUSA and Kirk ended in 2022, and they explicitly stated they were not onsite in Utah. Post-incident reports from sources like the Associated Press and NBC News have reiterated this, noting SSG's historical role but no current affiliation.
Regarding the security team that was present at the shooting:
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Kirk traveled with his own private security detail, described as a small traveling team of approximately 5-7 guards who coordinated directly with event organizers and were positioned onstage and nearby. This team was responsible for his close protection and immediately rushed him offstage after the shot was fired. Eyewitness accounts and video footage show them reacting to the incident, carrying Kirk away while scanning for threats.
- The detail was supplemented by UVU Police Department (UVU PD), which provided six officers for the event (some in uniform, others in plain clothes). UVU PD Chief Jeff Long confirmed in press conferences that his team handled perimeter and crowd control, while Kirk's private team focused on personal protection.There were no metal detectors or attendee screenings, and critics (including security experts like former Secret Service agents) have pointed to lapses such as unchecked rooftops and lack of drone surveillance, which the university reportedly denied due to privacy concerns.
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No specific private security company name has been publicly disclosed in official investigations, media reports, or statements from TPUSA, UVU, or law enforcement as of September 17, 2025. Sources like ABC News, NPR, and the New York Times describe it generically as "Kirk’s security detail" or "private security contingent" that he routinely used for public appearances, but details on the firm remain unidentified. TPUSA has not released the information, possibly for operational security reasons amid the ongoing FBI manhunt for the shooter (identified as a person of interest named Tyler Robinson, who remains at large with a $100,000 reward offered).
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Social media speculation (e.g., on X) has floated unverified names like "Echelon Elite Security" (linked to Jocko Willink's Echelon Front, which provides consulting but not confirmed for this event) or even conspiracy theories implicating SSG or federal agents. However, these lack substantiation from credible sources and appear to stem from misinformation or confusion with past providers. One X post even falsely claimed UVU "handled security" without Kirk's team, which contradicts official accounts.
The FBI, Utah Department of Public Safety, and local authorities are leading the investigation, with over 7,000 tips received and nearly 200 interviews conducted. Security protocols for high-profile events like this are under intense scrutiny, with experts like Dan Bongino (former Secret Service) highlighting the need for better rooftop coverage and perimeter checks in future political gatherings. If you're referring to a specific rumor or new development, more details could help narrow it down further.