Suspicious Device Detonated at Utah State University Ahead of Turning Point USA Event

Logan, Utah — October 1, 2025 — In a tense prelude to Turning Point USA’s first Utah event since the assassination of its founder Charlie Kirk, a suspicious device was discovered and detonated by law enforcement at Utah State University on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred just hours before the conservative organization’s “American Comeback Tour” was set to begin at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on campus.

Discovery and Detonation

The device was found near the exterior of the university’s iconic Old Main building by a campus employee who witnessed an individual placing it under a tree. A K-9 unit gave a partial alert, prompting swift action from campus and local law enforcement. Although the device was ultimately deemed non-explosive, the bomb squad detonated it “out of an abundance of caution,” according to university officials.^{1 2}

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion around 3:15 p.m., and the building was evacuated immediately. The “all-clear” was issued by 3:45 p.m., and no injuries were reported.³

Utah State University evacuated Old Main Tuesday due to a suspicious package found before a Turning Point USA event.

What Was the Device?

In a statement released Wednesday, Utah State University clarified that the object was a wildlife telemetry collar used for undergraduate field research. The collar, which contained GPS components and antennas, had been placed outside Old Main for educational purposes. Despite its benign nature, the device’s appearance and location raised enough concern to warrant a full security response.⁴

Heightened Security Measures

The incident came amid heightened security concerns following the September 10 assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. In response, Utah State University had already implemented rigorous safety protocols for the Turning Point event, including magnetometer screenings, restrictions on bag sizes, and a no re-entry policy.²

Speakers at the event included Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and former Congressman Jason Chaffetz. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) was scheduled to appear but remained in Washington due to pending votes. Conservative commentator Alex Clark opened the event with a defiant message: “If you came to mourn the death of America… you are at the wrong event. It’s not over”.¹

Ongoing Investigation

University officials emphasized that the device was not believed to be an intentional threat or directly related to the Turning Point USA event. Nevertheless, the situation remains under investigation, and authorities are reviewing campus surveillance and witness accounts to ensure full transparency and accountability.³

References

1‘Suspicious device’ detonated at Turning Point’s first event in Utah since Kirk assassination. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/suspicious-device-detonated-at-turning-point-s-first-event-in-utah-since-kirk-assassination/ar-AA1NEL9l

2Bomb squad detonates ‘suspicious device’ at Utah State University prior to TPUSA event. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/bomb-squad-detonates-suspicious-device-at-utah-state-university-prior-to-tpusa-event/ar-AA1NCGJE

3Utah State campus ‘safe’: Suspicious package detonated before nearby Turning Point USA event. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/utah-state-campus-safe-suspicious-package-detonated-before-nearby-turning-point-usa-event/ar-AA1NCszk

4'Better safe than sorry': USU explains evacuation ahead of Turning .... https://www.ksl.com/article/51383332/suspicious-package-usu-evacuates-building-ahead-of-turning-point-usa-stop

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