On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Utah State University (USU) in Logan, Utah, became the center of a tense afternoon after a suspicious package was found near the iconic Old Main building. The discovery, which came just hours before a highly anticipated Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event was set to take place elsewhere on campus, prompted an emergency evacuation and a rapid response from law enforcement and bomb squad personnel.
The incident unfolded quickly. According to alerts issued to students and staff, everyone inside Old Main was ordered to "leave immediately using the nearest exit. Use stairs, not elevators. Take only essential items. Go to your department’s evacuation area if applicable. Follow instructions from emergency personnel." The evacuation disrupted regular campus activities and sent a wave of anxiety through the university community, already on edge due to recent events involving Turning Point USA.
Law enforcement and bomb squad crews arrived on the scene within minutes. Witnesses reported seeing officers suiting up and cordoning off the area. Moments later, a bomb squad technician yelled "fire in the hole"—a standard warning before controlled detonations—before a small explosion echoed across the campus. As reported by KSL and Fox News, the device was found near the exterior of Old Main, beneath a tree, after a university employee noticed someone placing it there. A K-9 unit gave "a bit of an indication" on the package, which heightened the urgency of the response.
After a thorough investigation, officials determined that the device was not an explosive. Nevertheless, as a spokesperson for USU explained to Newsweek, "Out of an abundance of caution, the bomb squad detonated the suspicious device." No injuries were reported, and about an hour after the initial evacuation order, authorities declared the building "clear and safe." All scheduled events were allowed to resume, and the campus community breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The timing of the incident was especially sensitive. The Turning Point USA event, branded as the "American Comeback Tour," was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, just a short distance from Old Main. It marked the organization’s first major public appearance in Utah since the assassination of its co-founder, Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The suspect in Kirk's killing, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Washington City, surrendered to authorities and now faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice, as reported by Fox News and Gephardt Daily.
The shadow of Kirk's assassination hung heavily over the TPUSA event. Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, had headlined similar tours for years and was a central figure in the organization. His absence was deeply felt, and security concerns were at an all-time high. As a result, USU and local law enforcement implemented enhanced security measures for the evening. According to Fox News and Newsweek, everyone attending the event was required to pass through magnetometers, and bag checks were strictly enforced. Backpacks and bags larger than 6.5 by 4.5 inches were prohibited, and only small purses were allowed after inspection. No outside signs were permitted, and there was a strict no re-entry policy. Anyone bringing a firearm was required to comply with Utah’s concealed carry laws.
USU's Executive Director of Public Safety, Ellis Bruch, told Fox News that the department had been collaborating with local and state partners to ensure the highest level of safety. "Given the heightened concerns, USU’s department of public safety is continuing to collaborate with these partners to ensure appropriate safety measures and protocols are in place," the university explained in a statement.
The TPUSA event itself featured a panel of high-profile conservative speakers. Alex Clark, a commentator and podcast host, was joined by Utah Senator Mike Lee, Arizona Representative Andy Biggs, former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox. They stepped in to fill the void left by Kirk, who had been the face of the organization’s outreach to college students nationwide. According to KSL.com, university spokesman Logan Wilber stated, "Everything is moving forward as planned" for the event, despite the earlier evacuation and security scare.
The Old Main building, a stately structure dating back to the late 19th century and one of USU’s most recognizable landmarks, was at the heart of the day’s drama. Its central location on campus made the evacuation especially disruptive, but the university’s swift coordination with law enforcement ensured that the situation was brought under control quickly and safely. Emergency notifications kept students and staff informed throughout the ordeal, and by early evening, the campus had returned to a semblance of normalcy.
The national spotlight on USU and TPUSA was already intense due to the tragic events of September 10. Kirk’s death had sent shockwaves through conservative circles and reignited debates about security at political events on college campuses. The incident at Old Main, though ultimately a false alarm, underscored just how high tensions remain and how seriously universities and law enforcement are taking potential threats.
In the aftermath, authorities have not released additional details about the individual seen placing the package or whether any connection exists to the TPUSA event or Kirk’s assassination. The investigation into the suspicious device appears to be ongoing, but officials were quick to reassure the public that there was no immediate danger following the detonation.
For many on campus, the day was a stark reminder of the new realities facing universities hosting high-profile political events. The combination of heightened security, rapid emergency response, and transparent communication proved effective in managing the situation. As the evening’s panel discussion began, attendees passed through multiple layers of security, a visible sign of the university’s commitment to safety in turbulent times.
While the suspicious package turned out to be non-explosive, its impact on the campus community was significant. The swift resolution allowed USU to proceed with its scheduled programming, but the memory of the day’s events—and the shadow of recent violence—lingered in the minds of many. The university’s handling of the crisis, however, demonstrated a clear resolve to protect its students, staff, and guests, no matter the circumstances.
