By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Local law enforcement is paying attention to the investigation unfolding in Utah after the shooting and killing of conservative, Charlie Kirk, while he spoke with students on a Utah university campus.
Captain Shawn Collie with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office says no longer can area residents dismiss such incidents and think they could never happen here.
“The violence across the country is something that has, obviously I think, become a grave concern for a lot of citizens and for law enforcement in general,” Collie says during an appearance on KFEQmmunity.
Collie says the Kirk shooting adds to a list of gruesome violent acts throughout the country. He says local law enforcement must redouble its effort to keep crowds safe at events and citizens must prepare before attending such events in order to stay safe.
A gunman shot and killed Kirk as he spoke to students on the Utah Valley University campus. Kirk was 31. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
Collie says many questions arise in wake of such violence.
“As you look at this and whether you look at the political side, which a lot of times we try to take that out of, obviously that’s something that’s just there, but you look at the mental health and the drug abuse,” Collie says. “What is causing the crimes of violence we’re seeing throughout the country?”
Collie says local law enforcement work hard to keep crowds safe at gatherings. He says outdoor settings pose more security risks than indoor events, because it is harder to secure a large area outdoors.
Collie says law enforcement takes steps to ensure the safety of crowds, but he urges families to make plans prior to attending such events.
“Keep your eyes open. Don’t just try to focus on one thing, but know your surroundings,” Collie advises. “Think about if something does happen, where am I going to go? Where am I going to take my family to? If we get separated, where are we going to meet at? And just try to have the overall planning of the what if?”
You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ