Fact Check: "A 16-year-old male from one of the groups pulled out a gun and fired during the altercation at the WestFest carnival, prompting a police officer to fire back."
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, a shooting incident occurred at the WestFest carnival in West Valley City, Utah, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including an 8-month-old infant. According to police reports, the incident began when two groups engaged in a verbal altercation near a police mobile command post. As officers approached to intervene, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire, hitting five people in total. In response, one police officer fired back but did not hit anyone (AP News, Valley News Live).
The shooter was subsequently taken into custody and charged with three counts of homicide. The victims included an 18-year-old male, Hassan Lugundi, who was reportedly the intended target, and two bystanders, one of whom was the infant (AP News, Valley News Live).
Analysis
The claim that a 16-year-old male pulled out a gun and fired during the altercation is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and Valley News Live both reported that police officers witnessed the altercation and the subsequent shooting, confirming the timeline and actions taken by the individuals involved.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The information provided is consistent across various reports, indicating a well-documented incident. Furthermore, the police department's statements, which were disseminated via social media and news outlets, lend additional credibility to the claims made about the events that transpired at the carnival.
However, it is important to note that while the police have stated the shooter was a 16-year-old male, the investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The context of the altercation being potentially gang-related has also been mentioned, but this aspect remains unconfirmed at this time (AP News).
Conclusion
The claim that a 16-year-old male from one of the groups pulled out a gun and fired during the altercation at the WestFest carnival, prompting a police officer to fire back, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this assertion, detailing the sequence of events and the involvement of law enforcement.
