A man suspected of opening fire on a crowd of thousands during a protest in Salt Lake City, Utah, was apprehended on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred during a “No Kings” march, resulted in one person being critically injured, according to local law enforcement.
The incident took place around 8 p.m. near South State Street, causing panic among the estimated crowd of over 10,000. As shots were fired, the crowd dispersed in fear. The injured individual reportedly collapsed at the scene and received immediate medical attention before being transported to a local hospital with severe injuries.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed his concern over the incident, stating that such acts of violence have no place in public gatherings. He assured the public that the situation was being actively managed and that law enforcement was working diligently to ensure accountability.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene depicted a terrified crowd fleeing as gunshots rang out. Reporters at the scene reported hearing police officers shouting warnings about a gunman and a man with a rifle. Witnesses described the shooter as a man in a yellow vest.
One witness, Kris Pendleton, recounted the terrifying moment, stating that his wife had to pull him to safety. Pendleton also noted that the shooter seemed to be someone who knew what they were doing, suggesting the possibility of the individual being an armed security guard or a police officer.
The suspect was reportedly shirtless and had blood on his hands when apprehended by the police. He was later seen being transported on a stretcher. The police believe the shooting was connected to the protest, which was part of a nationwide movement against former President Trump and a large military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
The police have confirmed that a person of interest is in custody and have requested anyone with photos or videos of the incident to upload them to an online portal for further investigation. They also urged people to leave the demonstration in a safe and orderly manner, stating that the situation remains fluid.