Three individuals were arrested following a shooting that occurred during a ‘No Kings’ protest in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday night. The incident, which took place near 151 South State Street, left one civilian with life-threatening injuries and the shooter with serious wounds. According to Salt Lake City Police, the suspected gunman was apprehended after a pursuit by officers near 200 East and 100 South.
The shooting is currently under investigation, with authorities examining whether the act was politically motivated and if the involved parties had prior knowledge of each other. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that it is too early to determine the motive behind the incident, noting that the suspect appeared to be walking alongside the group of protesters. The shooting was described as occurring just before 8 p.m., with police responding to gunfire that disrupted the otherwise peaceful demonstration.
Police urged demonstrators to leave the area in an orderly fashion after the shooting, emphasizing the need for public safety. The protest, part of a nationwide movement against President Donald Trump, took place as a response to the military parade in Washington, D.C., which celebrated the Army’s 250th birthday and Trump’s 79th birthday. The ‘No Kings’ demonstrations have gained traction across the country, with participants chanting anti-authoritarian slogans and advocating for the protection of democratic rights and immigrant communities.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, expressed deep concern over the violent act, calling the incident ‘deeply troubling.’ In a statement on social media, Cox emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law while acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. ‘This is an active situation, and we’re working closely with law enforcement to ensure accountability,’ he wrote. The governor also extended his sympathies to the victims and thanked the protesters for demonstrating their rights in a responsible manner.
Authorities have confirmed that the demonstration, which drew approximately 10,000 participants, was peaceful before the shooting. Police were monitoring the event to support public safety and the lawful expression of First Amendment rights. The incident has raised questions about the safety of large-scale protests and the potential for violence, especially in contexts where political tensions are high. Investigators are reviewing witness statements and any possible connections between the shooting and the protest, as well as the identities of those involved.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement remains focused on determining the full scope of the incident. The shooting has added another layer of complexity to the broader narrative of public demonstrations in the United States, particularly in light of the military parade in Washington, D.C. The national context of the ‘No Kings’ movement highlights the tensions surrounding political expression and the potential for violence in such events. The case is expected to bring further attention to the ongoing discussions about the balance between free speech and public safety in democratic societies.