The Salt Lake Tribune has made this story accessible to everyone. Recently, Salt Lake City police reported that they have taken three individuals into custody following a shooting incident that occurred near the “No Kings” march in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday evening. The shooting left one man with a critical gunshot wound, prompting immediate emergency response.
The injured man was found collapsed on State Street, with emergency personnel providing immediate care right in front of the Liberty SKY apartment complex. As the investigation unfolded, police stated that the motive behind the shooting and the circumstances leading up to it are still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the shooting involved four individuals, including the critically injured victim.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as a man was seen being loaded onto a stretcher by Salt Lake City Fire personnel. Eyewitness accounts indicate that he was the same individual whom officers had handcuffed. According to a news release from the police department, they pursued one of the involved parties and apprehended him near 200 East and 100 South. This individual was taken to a hospital with serious injuries from a gunshot wound and remains hospitalized under guard.
During a news conference on Saturday night, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed that police are still unsure who fired the shots. Chief Redd mentioned that two other individuals had also been taken into custody later, but he did not provide further details regarding their detainment.
Police reported hearing gunfire around 7:56 p.m. near 151 S. State St. Journalists from The Tribune observed protesters fleeing from a location near the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building. A photographer captured the tense moments when officers shouted “Gunman!” and “Man with rifle!” as they rushed into a nearby parking garage.
A video shared by witness Kris Pendleton captured the frightening moments as shots were fired, with the crowd reacting in panic. Organizers at the protest quickly instructed attendees to move to safer areas north of the federal building. On social media, Salt Lake City police appealed for demonstrators to exit the area safely and in an orderly manner. Initially, the police department estimated a turnout of 4,000 people at Pioneer Park before the march, later raising that estimate to 10,000 as the event progressed.
Witness Kris Pendleton recounted how he and his wife arrived late to the protest, only to hear a loud bang nearby. He turned to see a man in a yellow vest shooting someone just a few feet away. Pendleton described the shooter as someone who seemed experienced, perhaps an armed security guard. His wife urged him to run, prompting them to flee towards a parking garage.
Another witness, Sarah Morton, shared her experience of hearing a loud pop while she was enjoying the atmosphere of the protest. She turned to see a man fall to his knees and then face-plant, realizing he had just been shot. Morton expressed her shock at the sudden violence, emphasizing that she had felt safe moments before the incident.
Before the shooting, the “No Kings” march, part of a national movement, aimed to oppose President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and the use of military force against protesters. Speakers at Pioneer Park emphasized the importance of nonviolence and the need to stand against the current administration's policies. Many participants expressed their commitment to peaceful protest, voicing concerns over immigration enforcement and the treatment of marginalized communities.
As the march commenced just before 7 p.m., chants of “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA” echoed throughout the streets. Marchers like Heather Shelley highlighted the need for lawmakers to recognize the support from constituents who oppose Trump’s policies. The evening’s events followed numerous peaceful “No Kings” rallies that took place across Utah earlier that day.
The shooting incident has sparked discussions about the safety of protests. Many attendees, including Eric Snider, who was present during the shooting, voiced their concerns about the potential impact on future demonstrations. Snider remarked that while he didn’t feel traumatized, he hoped the violence would not deter others from participating in peaceful protests.
In light of recent events, Utah leaders have condemned the violence and reiterated the importance of maintaining a safe space for protests. Utah Governor Spencer Cox emphasized the need for peaceful demonstrations, stating that violence would not be tolerated.
As the community reflects on the shooting, many participants remain committed to their cause, believing that fear should not rule their actions. The “No Kings” march and the subsequent shooting serve as a reminder of the complex and often dangerous landscape of political protest in today’s world.
