Westminster College ramps ups security for Hancock Symposium following Charlie Kirk assassination
Olivia Hayes
FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)
Westminster College is upping security measures for its Hancock Symposium, following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s death on a Utah college campus.
Over Tuesday and Wednesday, the symposium, themed “Justice: For All?”, will feature 17 speakers that will discuss topics including law, critical race theory and transgender rights. Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon will also be giving a special presentation as a part of the John Findley Green Foundation Lecture.
Attendees are asked to not bring large bags or backpacks. Along with those restrictions, the college has also upped its number of security on site. Students tell ABC 17 News the extra measures make them feel safer.
“I’m glad that Westminster and its in its staff are focusing on that and keeping an eye out for students,” said Isaac Thomas, who is a junior at Westminster College.
“Especially with all of the preventative measures that they’re taking and I know they take those things really seriously. I trust our security people here,” Westminster junior Lulu Howser said.
Westminster spokeswoman Stephanie Wells said multiple safety groups are helping out with the event safety plans.
“We are working with the Fulton Police Department,” Wells said. “Our director of security has also worked with several national and federal agencies to run to assess risk levels for our various speakers.”
Howser said that some students may find the extra measures frustrating, but it’s worth it.
“A lot of us are expected to take notes and do work during symposium, so not having a bag can be a little frustrating, but we all have iPads and phones and we can get around that,” Howser said.
University officials said medical and diaper bags will be allowed as well as strollers, but they will need to be searched before they are allowed in.