n the days that have passed since conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead at a public event at a Utah university, discussions have either started or continued for local event planning.
At Flint Hills Technical College, President Caron Daugherty says Kirk’s shooting Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University came at a time when local college administrators were already discussing security matters. Daugherty also says administrators are beholden to the campus community for sharing security reports and other information.
With limited public entrances to campus buildings and numerous security cameras, Daugherty says the college already has security at top-of-mind. Locks are also being upgraded as funding permits.
Daugherty says the college’s close proximity to Emporia High and Emporia Middle School play into college planning on a regular basis, while events like the inadvertent active shooter alarm at Newman Regional Health last month have also factored into recent discussions.
Emporia State University has not responded to requests for an update.
Meanwhile, local law enforcement agencies are not divulging their security plans for public events. However, Emporia Police Capt. Ray Mattas says people attending public events need to be mindful of their surroundings and report anything that appears suspicions. Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch says outdoor events have greater chances of “interruptions,” intentional or not, and he agrees with Mattas in that people need to report anything apparently suspicious. Koelsch also says, “The bad guys win if you live in constant fear that something is going to happen.”
The person who allegedly killed Kirk, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder and other counts. Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted.
