‘At this time, we do not believe it was an intentional threat or related to the [Turning Point USA] event,’ the university stated.
Utah State University (USU) evacuated a building on Sept. 30 after a “suspicious device” was found and detonated by the bomb squad just hours before the university was set to host a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event.
USU said the device was found near the exterior of its Old Main building at around 2:45 p.m. local time on Sept. 30, prompting a response from university and local law enforcement.
“Officers located the device and deemed it to be non-explosive. Out of an abundance of caution, the bomb squad detonated the device,” it said in a statement.
The building is “now clear and safe,” and scheduled events could resume “as normal,” USU stated. The university also said the incident is not connected to the TPUSA event.
“The situation is under investigation, and we expect to provide more information in the coming days. At this time, we do not believe it was an intentional threat or related to the TPUSA event,” it stated.
The evening event at USU was TPUSA’s first campus event in Utah since the assassination of its founder, Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on Sept. 10 during a tour stop at Utah Valley University.
USU stated that it has heightened campus security and implemented several precautions for the TPUSA event, including requiring event participants to go through security screening with a metal detector and enforcing a no reentry rule. The university said it was coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to ensure safety.
The event featured conservative podcaster Alex Clark and a panel with Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), former Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, which began at 8.30 p.m. on Sept. 30.
“Each stop is a chance to honor Charlie’s mission and keep the fight alive,” the nonprofit stated on its website.
TPUSA also posted a video on social media showing the “massive turnout” of attendees at the USU event.
Authorities have arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, as the suspect in Kirk’s shooting. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, was appointed CEO and board chair of TPUSA on Sept. 18 following her husband’s death. In a live-streamed message on Sept. 12, she emphasized that her late husband’s mission would continue.
“I will never let your legacy die,” Erika said. “I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.”
AMAZING TURNOUT at the This Is the Turning Point Tour stop at Utah State University@tpusastudents pic.twitter.com/8EaTEeKIAD
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) October 1, 2025
