A recent FIRE survey of 70,000 college students, released on September 11th, 2025, indicates that 34% of students believe violence may be justified to stop campus speakers, a notable increase from 24% in 2021. This development emerges as the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was killed on September 10th, 2025, near Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, continues. The survey's findings were shared via X by @DeItaone at approximately 12:16 PM UTC. This survey data highlights a concerning trend in student attitudes towards free speech and political discourse, occurring against the backdrop of increasing political violence. The Utah Department of Public Safety and the FBI were scheduled to provide updates on the Kirk investigation at a news conference this morning, September 11th, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET. The U.S. Army also issued a statement on X at approximately 12:00 PM UTC, honoring the 24th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Previous reports indicated that the assailant in the Kirk assassination may have utilized the rooftop of the Losee Center Building at Utah Valley University for escape, potentially fleeing the state. The FBI had previously detained and released George Zinn and Zachariah Qureshi in connection with the shooting, stating they have no current ties to the incident. Utah Valley University's campus remains closed until September 15th. President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend pregame ceremonies at a New York Yankees game today to honor 9/11 victims and heroes, and had previously ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-mast until Sunday evening.
