Crowds, Cameras, and Crosshairs: The New Reality of Public Events
The assassination of Charlie Kirk highlights how quickly public gatherings can shift from celebration to crisis—and why preparation is your best protection.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) People run after a shot was fired during an appearance by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
A Tragedy in Utah: From Gathering to Chaos
On September 10th, at Utah Valley University, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated while addressing a large gathering. The gunman fired from a rooftop nearly 200 yards away, fatally striking him despite the presence of both private security and local law enforcement. Witnesses described “blood pouring everywhere” as the crowd scrambled to escape. Even Kirk’s wife and children were caught in the panic.
This was not random violence. Utah’s governor and national leaders quickly condemned the shooting as a political assassination.
For those of us who attend—or help others attend—large public gatherings, this tragedy was a grim reminder: safety is never guaranteed.
We often assume that because we’re surrounded by other people, or because security is visible, we’re protected. The truth is more uncomfortable: safety is situational, not static. Crowds can turn chaotic in seconds, and no security team—no matter how professional—can protect every single person in every single moment.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) People take cover after a gunshot was fired during an appearance by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
The Fragile Psychology of Crowds
Crowds are paradoxical: they represent both safety and risk.
Visibility & Symbolism. Attackers target gatherings because the impact is amplified. The crowd is both the stage and the shield, guaranteeing attention.
The Bystander Effect. In large groups, individuals often hesitate to act. People freeze, waiting for someone else to take the first step. That delay can be deadly in a fast-moving crisis.
The Safety Trap. Many people think, “I’m surrounded by others, so I must be safe.” That false confidence dulls awareness and blinds us to red flags.
The Charlie Kirk shooting was a textbook example of how attackers exploit these dynamics. Elevated vantage points, predictable crowd density, and the assumption of safety all worked against the audience.
Patterns of Public Attacks
The Utah assassination is not an isolated event. We’ve seen this pattern before:
Las Vegas, 2017. A gunman opened fire from a hotel window onto a concert, killing 58 and injuring hundreds.
Manchester, 2017. A suicide bomber attacked Ariana Grande fans as they exited an arena, targeting choke points where escape was limited.
Dallas, 2016. A rooftop sniper targeted police officers during a protest march, exploiting elevation and surprise.
Each of these tragedies underscores the same truth: attackers exploit the vulnerabilities that come with large-scale gatherings. Elevation, choke points, crowd density, and predictable flow are their tools.
Why This Matters for You
Most of us go to events for enjoyment, not vigilance. Concerts, rallies, and festivals are meant to be celebrations, not security drills. But ignoring risk doesn’t erase it—it magnifies it.
The good news? Preparation doesn’t mean paranoia. It means stacking small advantages that drastically improve your odds if chaos erupts. The difference between panic and survival is often just a few seconds of awareness and a few smart decisions.
The Safety Playbook: 15 Protective Strategies
Here’s a comprehensive set of protective strategies—practical, clever, and immediately usable—that can help you and your loved ones stay safer at large events.
Before You Go
Arrive Early. Leave Late..Most chaos happens at entrances and exits. Arriving before the rush and waiting out the crowd afterward reduces exposure to bottlenecks.
Know What You Are Walking Into. Don’t assume that private or on-site security will be enough. Ask organizers (or check social media) for info on bag checks, metal detectors, or controlled access zones to spot gaps in protective measures. Remember that you are always your own first responder.
Establish a Communication Plan. If attending with others, agree on a rendezvous point and establish a “check-in” phrase for emergencies.
Where You Position Yourself
Prioritize Cover, Not Just Concealment. Curtains and drywall hide you. Concrete and steel protect you. Know the difference. Whenever possible, try to stay toward the periphery of the crowd rather than in the middle.
Mind the Rooftops. Most people scan side-to-side for threats. Expand your field of awareness to include elevated positions, like balconies, parking decks, and rooftops. Many attacks (like the one on Charlie Kirk) exploit the high-ground advantage.
6. Use Landmarks. Memorize immovable features (statues, staircases, vendor booths) as rally points in case signs or exits are blocked.
During the Event
Remain Situationally Aware. As soon as you arrive, and well before the event begins, identify exits, potential cover, and elevated vantage points. Have a plan. Know what to do. Know where to go. Know how to get there. Knowing your escape options can mean the difference between confidence and panic.
Keep Hands Free. Carrying food, drinks, or bags slows your ability to react. Travel light and keep both hands available.
Notice any “Unnatural Stillness.” While crowds move, attackers often freeze before acting. Pay attention to anyone who seems still, scanning, or unusually tense, especially if they are noticeably alone.
Tune Into Sound. A disturbance often shifts the crowd’s soundscape before it’s visible—screams, sudden silence, or shouts of alarm.
If Crisis Hits
Trust the Flow, Not the Crowd. In a panic, the mob may rush toward the most obvious exit, causing pile-ups. Sometimes, a side hallway, service corridor, or stairwell can offer a safer, faster egress. Don’t be so quick to follow the sheep to the slaughter. Train yourself to break from the herd when it makes sense.
Move With Purpose. Don’t run blindly. Move deliberately, eyes up, scanning for threats and opportunities.
Have a Rally Point. Identify a reunification point outside the venue where you and your companions can regroup if separated.
Carry Everyday Multipliers. Not weapons—tools. Think in terms of objects that have multiple emergency uses. A small flashlight can help in a blackout. A scarf can serve as a dust mask. A bandana and a pen can be a makeshift tourniquet. A tactical pen doubles as a window breaker and a defensive tool.
Break the Freeze. If you sense danger, act. Whether it’s moving toward cover or leading others out, decisive action overcomes paralysis.
Safety isn’t the absence of danger; it’s the presence of preparation.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) People run after a shot was fired during an appearance by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
Bottom Line
Crowds will always be part of our lives. Concerts, rallies, sporting events, and festivals bring us together in ways nothing else can. But as Utah reminded us, crowds can also make us vulnerable.
You don’t need to live in fear, and you don’t need to avoid the experiences that enrich your life. All you need is a mindset that says, I’m aware, I’m prepared, and I’m empowered to participate in my own protection.
Because when chaos strikes, the best defense isn’t luck, it’s having agency over your own safety.
The world may be unpredictable. Your safety doesn’t have to be.