June 15, 2025
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Shirtless man being detained by Salt Lake City police near a fire truck after a protest shooting

Chaos in Salt Lake City: Protest March Interrupted by Gunfire, One Injured

Rachel Markel

New York: What began as a peaceful evening of protest and unity in downtown Salt Lake City turned into a scene of chaos and fear as gunfire rang out near the march route. The Saturday rally, part of the nationwide “No Kings” movement opposing authoritarian governance, had drawn thousands of Utahns — families, students, and activists — all hoping to make their voices heard.

But just as the crowd neared State Street around 8 PM, panic rippled through the air. Three to four sharp pops were heard. Protesters dropped their signs and ran, unsure whether it was fireworks or something far worse. Within minutes, police swarmed the scene and confirmed the worst: a man had been shot and critically wounded.

Now, with at least one person of interest in custody and two others detained, the city is grappling with unanswered questions: Was the shooter targeting the march? Was it a random act? And above all, how do we move forward while still protecting the right to protest?

What We Know About the Salt Lake City Protest Shooting

At approximately 7:56 PM on Saturday, June 14, shots were fired near 151 S. State Street, just as the crowd — nearly 10,000 strong — was moving toward the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building. The event was one of many organized nationwide under the “No Kings” banner, opposing former President Trump’s post-administration influence and demanding more democratic transparency.

Police responded quickly, calling on attendees to disperse as they locked down the area. A man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was found with gunshot wounds and taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities confirmed that at least one suspect was arrested on-site, while two others were detained pending investigation.

Witnesses Describe the Panic

“It sounded like fireworks at first,” said Ariana Velasquez, a University of Utah student who was live-streaming the march. “But then I saw people duck and run. Someone yelled ‘gun!’ and everyone started sprinting.”

Others described the moment as surreal — a peaceful crowd instantly becoming a wave of fleeing people, many abandoning signs, backpacks, and even shoes in the chaos. Video footage shows law enforcement quickly securing the perimeter and shouting “Gunman!” as they navigated through the confusion.

Officials Respond: “Horrific and Heartbreaking”

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence in a public statement, calling the event “horrific” but also praising both the demonstrators and police for their calm coordination.

“Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Mendenhall. “We must not allow violence to silence those who speak out for justice.”

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and Governor Spencer Cox echoed those sentiments, reaffirming support for First Amendment rights while promising a full investigation into the motive and source of the violence. Senate President Stuart Adams added, “We support protest, not chaos.”

Was This a Targeted Attack or Coincidence?

While speculation swirls online, officials have not confirmed whether the gunfire was directly related to the protest. Early reports suggest the shooter may have been an unaffiliated individual, but authorities have not ruled out political motives or personal disputes.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances, with detectives interviewing witnesses and reviewing footage from phones and nearby security cameras.

Also Read: Trump’s Military Parade: Time, Route, Weather & Why It’s Making Headlines

What’s Next for Protesters and the Community?

Despite the incident, the spirit of the march lives on. The majority of protesters remained peaceful throughout the day, and many expressed a desire to return — not in fear, but in solidarity.

“I won’t stop showing up,” said local teacher and protester James Horner. “What happened tonight only proves why we have to be louder — but smarter and safer, too.”

The community now faces a reckoning: how to ensure safety at future events without silencing the right to assemble. It’s a conversation not just for Salt Lake City, but for every city navigating the delicate balance between freedom and protection.