Violence Erupts Amid ‘No Kings’ Protest in Salt Lake City: One Critically Injured, Three Arrested During Massive 10,000-Person March

Salt Lake City police recently arrested three individuals following a shooting during the “No Kings” march downtown. A man sustained a serious gunshot wound and was found on State Street outside the Liberty SKY apartments. Emergency responders worked quickly to assist him before he was taken to a hospital, where he remains under guard.

According to police, the events leading to the shooting are still under investigation. Initial reports suggest that four people were involved, including the victim. One suspect was caught nearby while two others were detained later on, although details about their involvement have not been disclosed.

The chaos unfolded just after 7:56 p.m. when shots were fired near the Bennett Federal Building. Witnesses described a scene of panic as people began to scatter. Some protestors reported hearing shouts of “Gunman!” as officers quickly moved toward the threat. A video taken by a bystander captured the unsettling moments, highlighting the fear and confusion in the crowd.

Many attendees, like witness Kris Pendleton, described their shock. Pendleton noted that he initially thought a person in a vest was perhaps an armed security guard but quickly realized the seriousness of the situation when the gunfire erupted. His wife urged him to run to safety, which they did, escaping further danger.

Another witness, Sarah Morton, expressed how the positive atmosphere changed drastically with the sudden violence. She recalled hearing the gunshots and seeing the victim collapse. Similarly, Eric Snider, who drove from Provo to attend, shared that he was just a short distance away when the shots rang out. Despite witnessing the aftermath, he emphasized that he did not feel traumatized and hoped that the incident wouldn’t deter future protests.

Before the march, participants gathered to voice their opposition to immigration policies and government actions they viewed as authoritarian. Speakers highlighted issues of injustice and called for unity against mass deportation and political repression. The protests were part of a larger national effort where over five million people participated that day alone, according to organizers. This widespread mobilization illustrates the high level of concern and activism surrounding political issues across the country.

The day was marked by an overwhelming number of peaceful demonstrations, but the shooting introduced a stark reminder of the risks associated with public protests today. Many activists and community leaders continue to stress the importance of peaceful expression and the need to remain undeterred by violence.

Recent statistics also reflect a rise in political violence across the U.S., prompting leaders like Utah Governor Spencer Cox to advocate for a safe environment for protests. He’s emphasized that while he supports peaceful demonstrations, any form of violence would not be tolerated and would be met with swift legal action.

While the investigation into the shooting continues, the broader implications on public gatherings remain crucial. Many hope that society can navigate these contentious issues without intimidation, fostering an environment where voices can be heard without fear of violence.

For ongoing updates on the investigation, visit [The Salt Lake Tribune](https://www.sltrib.com).

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