Eyewitness recounts chaos as gunfire erupts at Salt Lake City protest, critically injuring one

Protesters march toward the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building during the "No Kings" rally on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Photo: Kirsten Kohlwey//TownLift

“We just started running. People were running over one another. I am horrified for the state of our country." – Emerson Glusker

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A peaceful demonstration turned terrifying Saturday evening when gunfire erupted during the “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City, leaving one person in critical condition. Three people have been taken into custody, according to Salt Lake City Police. The shooting — which eyewitnesses said occurred in front of a federal building on State Street — unfolded after the crowd had left Pioneer Park and marched toward the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building and included scenes of panic and confusion described by an eyewitness just 20 yards from the scene of the shooting.

Emerson Glusker, a 20-year-old Salt Lake City resident who grew up in Park City, was among the thousands protesting when the gunshots rang out. She said she had been facing away from the victim, talking to someone, when three shots were fired.

“We just started running,” she said in an interview shortly after the incident. “People were running over one another. I am horrified for the state of our country.”

Glusker described seeing a man wearing black clothing holding a handgun in the air and a person on the ground, though she could not confirm whether the man was the shooter or the injured victim. “There were probably ten people between us,” she said. After running for approximately one block with the crowd, Glusker stopped and leaned against a concrete wall, sobbing. She later sought refuge at a nearby hotel where a friend worked — a momentary safe haven amid the chaos.

 

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The shooting took place near 200 South and State Street as protesters marched from Pioneer Park to the Bennett Federal Building. Police responded immediately, taking three “persons of interest” into custody and confirming that the victim was transported with life-threatening injuries.

Glusker emphasized the overwhelmingly peaceful nature of the protest. “There were people of all ages, people in wheelchairs,” she said. “I’ve been to protests before, and there has never been any physical violence.” Marchers had been chanting slogans including “F— Donald Trump” and “F— Cox,” she added.

The “No Kings” protest drew an estimated 10,000 participants, authorities said, who were rallying against authoritarianism. The protest was part of a coordinated national movement pushing back against what demonstrators describe as authoritarian overreach since President Trump returned to office in January.

Participants said the event represents a symbolic rejection of unchecked executive power, calling attention to recent federal actions they believe undermine democratic norms and civil liberties — particularly policies affecting immigrants, LGBTQIA+ communities, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

President Donald Trump. Protesters carried signs like “No crowns for a clown” and “Protect the people,” one featuring an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Salt Lake City Police have not released the name of the victim or the people in custody but say the investigation is ongoing. Officers urged anyone with footage or information to come forward.

The shooting drew immediate and forceful condemnation from state and local leaders. Gov. Spencer Cox called the incident a “deeply troubling act of violence” that “has no place in our public square.” Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall called it “horrific,” saying, “We deserve to feel safe, especially when exercising our First Amendment rights.”

This is a developing story. Authorities expect to release more details as the investigation progresses.