Fact Check: Governor Spencer Cox called the shooting at the protest a 'deeply troubling act of violence' in a statement released shortly after the incident.

Fact Check: "Governor Spencer Cox called the shooting at the protest a 'deeply troubling act of violence' in a statement released shortly after the incident."

What We Know

On June 14, 2025, a shooting occurred during the "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City, which drew approximately 10,000 participants. Following the incident, Utah Governor Spencer Cox issued a statement describing the shooting as "a deeply troubling act of violence that has no place in our public square" (Governor Cox on X, Utah leaders condemn deadly shooting at 'No Kings' protest). This statement was made shortly after the shooting was reported, emphasizing the governor's condemnation of the violence that erupted during what was otherwise a peaceful demonstration.

Analysis

The claim that Governor Spencer Cox labeled the shooting as a "deeply troubling act of violence" is supported by multiple credible sources. His statement was widely reported across various news outlets, including local news platforms like the Salt Lake Tribune and KUER (Utah leaders condemn deadly shooting at 'No Kings' protest, ‘Not who we are,’ says Mayor Mendenhall after shooting at ...). Furthermore, the governor's statement was also shared on social media, reinforcing its authenticity and reach (Governor Cox on X).

The reliability of the sources reporting this statement is high. The Salt Lake Tribune is a well-established news organization in Utah, and KUER is a reputable public radio station. Both have a history of accurate reporting on local events. The consistency of the statement across different platforms further supports its validity, as it was echoed by various journalists and news outlets (2, 3, 4).

However, it is important to note that while the statement was made in the context of a tragic event, interpretations of the governor's response could vary based on political perspectives. Nonetheless, the factual basis of the statement itself remains intact and verifiable.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
Governor Spencer Cox did indeed call the shooting at the protest a "deeply troubling act of violence" in a statement released shortly after the incident. This claim is substantiated by multiple reliable sources, confirming the accuracy of the statement made by the governor.

Fact Check: Governor Spencer Cox called the shooting at the protest a 'deeply troubling act of violence' in a statement released shortly after the incident.