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 return fire."
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, a shooting 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 reports, the incident began with an argument between two groups. As police officers approached to intervene, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups drew a firearm and opened fire. In response, one officer fired back but did not hit anyone (AP News). The shooter was quickly apprehended and later charged with three counts of homicide (WWNYTV).
Analysis
The claim that a 16-year-old male pulled out a gun and fired during the altercation is supported by multiple reliable sources. The Associated Press reported that the police witnessed the argument and the subsequent shooting, confirming the sequence of events leading to the officer's return fire (AP News). Additionally, Fox 8 Live corroborated this account, stating that the police were present and saw the 16-year-old fire his weapon (Fox 8 Live).
Both sources are credible, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The information provided is consistent across different outlets, which adds to its reliability. The police's involvement and the immediate arrest of the shooter further validate the claims made in the reports.
However, it is important to note that the investigation is ongoing, and details may evolve as more information becomes available. The police are also looking into whether the altercation was gang-related, which could provide additional context to the incident (AP News).
Conclusion
The claim that a 16-year-old male pulled out a gun and fired during the altercation at the WestFest carnival, prompting a police officer to return fire, is True. This conclusion is based on multiple credible sources that confirm the events as they unfolded, including eyewitness accounts from law enforcement present at the scene.
