One person is in critical condition after a shooting took place during the “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday, June 14. The incident happened near 200 South State Street around 8 p.m., as around 10,000 people marched from Pioneer Park to the Federal Building.
The Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed that the injured person was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. One person has been taken into custody. Authorities have not shared the names of the victim or the suspect.
The protest was one of many held across Utah and other U.S. cities. The “No Kings” demonstrations were organized in response to concerns about authoritarianism, excessive presidential powers, and the increased militarization of political events. The protest also coincided with former President Donald Trump’s birthday and the celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
Police said the protest was peaceful and properly permitted. Officers were on the scene throughout the event to manage traffic and monitor safety. Until the shooting occurred, there were no reports of violence or disorder.
The shooting caused panic among many in the crowd. Law enforcement and ambulances responded quickly. Police advised protesters to leave the area calmly and safely. They also asked anyone with videos or photos of the incident to upload them to the department’s online evidence portal.
Utah’s governor called the shooting troubling and said the state is working with law enforcement to investigate the situation and ensure accountability. Salt Lake City’s mayor said people have the right to feel safe when they exercise their First Amendment rights. She also thanked the police for their quick response.
June 14 saw nearly a dozen “No Kings” protests across the state of Utah. The national movement began following anti-ICE protests that started in Los Angeles on June 6. These protests are gaining momentum online, where organizers continue to call for peaceful action against policies they see as unjust.
The Salt Lake City Police Department has not confirmed whether the suspect was involved in the protest or was an outsider. Investigators are looking into possible motives. They are reviewing video footage and speaking to witnesses to gather more details.
The protest remained peaceful for hours before the shooting. Participants walked through designated streets, and traffic was rerouted to support the large crowd. The shooting took place near a parking lot close to the route but outside the central protest zone.
This incident adds to growing concerns about the safety of public demonstrations in the United States. Several recent protests have been disrupted by violence. Experts suggest that even peaceful events need strong safety plans and coordination with police.
Despite the risks, many civil rights groups continue to support the right to protest. They believe that public marches are a vital part of democracy and should be protected by authorities and respected by all members of society.
