SALT LAKE CITY, UT – A peaceful protest took a chaotic turn Thursday evening when gunfire erupted just blocks from where demonstrators were gathered. The incident occurred near 300 East and 100 South, close to the federal building, as Salt Lake City police quickly arrived to address the situation.
Witnesses, including this reporter, were caught off guard as shots rang out during what had been a peaceful protest against monarchy-themed governance. The protest began at the University of Utah earlier in the day and continued with a march from Pioneer Park. As the event was winding down, the sudden sound of gunshots sent people fleeing northward.
The police presence was immediate, with officers rapidly converging on the scene and pursuing a suspect into a nearby parking garage. As law enforcement secured the area, the atmosphere shifted from one of peaceful demonstration to tense uncertainty.
Reports indicate that one individual was critically injured in the shooting. Medics rushed to the scene to provide aid, and the injured person was transported to a local hospital. The identity and condition of the victim have not been officially released.
Amid the chaos, the protest’s organizers, known as “No Kings,” expressed their disappointment. They emphasized that the shooter was not associated with their group and reiterated their commitment to nonviolent protest. An organizer stated that the incident marred an otherwise peaceful evening.
As police worked to clear the area and ensure public safety, demonstrators were urged to leave the vicinity. Authorities eventually detained a suspect, which helped to calm the fraught atmosphere.
The swift response by Salt Lake City police was noted by onlookers, who expressed gratitude for the officers’ prompt action. The situation, however, has raised concerns about the challenges of maintaining peace during large public gatherings.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and police are expected to release further details once more information is available.