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.
A man who was shot on State Street in front of the Liberty SKY apartment complex is in “critical” condition.
He fell to the ground, and emergency responders immediately administered life-saving procedures before he was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Officers attended the scene after hearing gunshots around 7:56 pm, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed to reporters.
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 commended his officers by noting that their “quick response guaranteed the safety of thousands of people participating in the downtown Salt Lake City events.”
According to Redd, those organizing the national anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protests collaborated effectively with the police, and everything was peaceful before the shooting incident.
“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.
