Protesters gathered in Salt Lake City on Saturday for a "No Kings" demonstration, expressing their anger towards President Donald Trump and the military parade happening in Washington, D.C. The event drew around 10,000 participants who marched from Pioneer Park to the Federal Building, chanting anti-authoritarian slogans and advocating for democracy and immigrant rights.
During the protest, a shooting occurred near 200 South State Street, leaving one person critically injured. Police took a person of interest into custody in connection with the incident. Authorities reported that the situation was still developing and urged demonstrators to disperse in an orderly manner.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the shooting as "deeply troubling," emphasizing that such violence has no place in public gatherings. He assured the community that law enforcement was actively working to ensure accountability.
The protests coincided with celebrations for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, which included a military parade costing approximately $45 million. This juxtaposition of events heightened the emotions of the demonstrators, who were vocal about their dissent against perceived authoritarianism.
As the police monitored the protest to maintain safety, they provided support for the marchers to express their First Amendment rights. The situation remains under investigation, with police continuing to gather information about the shooting and its connection to the protest.