ONE person is in a life-threatening condition after being shot near a ‘No Kings’ demonstration as cops confirm three are in custody.
Gunfire broke out near the march which was attended by over 10,000 people in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday night.
@ThoughtEnjoyer via StoryfulA person is in a critical condition after being shot at the No Kings demonstration in Salt Lake City on Saturday[/caption]
@ThoughtEnjoyer via StoryfulOfficers confirmed that the victim’s condition is ‘life-threatening’ as they investigate the motive for the attack[/caption]
A man who was shot on State Street in front of the Liberty SKY apartment complex is in “critical” condition.
He collapsed on the ground and emergency responders performed life-saving measures until he was transported to hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Officers attended the scene after hearing gunshots around 7:56 pm, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed to reporters.
Those attending the demonstration, including reporters and photographers, were alerted to the incident by officers shouting “Gunman!” and “Man with rifle”, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
Witnesses were able to help identify the male suspect in the shooting who is in custody.
Redd confirmed that the suspect suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital by cops.
It is believed he was shot before officers arrived.
Two others have also been taken into custody with cops not looking for anyone else in connection to the shooting.
The police chief praised the efforts of his officers saying their “rapid response ensured the safety of thousands of participants in the downtown Salt Lake City area”.
Organizers of the anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ demonstrations that were held across the nation on Saturday worked well with police, Redd said, and that prior to the shooting everything was peaceful.
APAt least 10,000 demonstrators marched during the ‘No Kings’ protest in Salt Lake City[/caption]
GettySalt Lake City police have confirmed that they have the suspect in custody (stock)[/caption]
“The violence that we’ve seen today in Salt Lake City and even in other parts of the nation is horrific,” Mayor Erin Mendenhall said, referencing the assassination of Minnesota Rep Melissa Hortman and the shooting of Senator John Hoffman.
“It is not who we are. Let me be clear this act of violence does not define our city.
“The purpose of today’s demonstration was powerful and a peaceful expression until this event and that cannot be overshadowed or silenced by a single act meant to harm.”
An investigation into the shooting is ongoing with a motive not yet released.
All three individuals taken into custody were involved in the shooting and appeared to be part of the protest, the police chief said.
On Saturday, at least 10,000 demonstrators took part in the march between Pioneer Park and the Federal Building.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox was briefed on the situation which he called “deeply troubling”.
“My heart is broken for everyone impacted tonight,” he said on X.
“Thank you to the thousands of protestors who exercised their constitutional rights in the right way tonight.”
The “No Kings” demonstrations attended by millions across the country to protest President Donald Trump came as he held a lavish military parade in Washington DC coinciding with his 79th birthday.
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