Fact Check: "On June 14, 2023, approximately 10,000 people participated in the 'No Kings' protest in downtown Salt Lake City, which was peaceful until a shooting occurred near 200 South State Street just before 8 p.m."
What We Know
On June 14, 2023, a significant protest known as the "No Kings" protest took place in downtown Salt Lake City, with estimates of around 10,000 participants attending the event. The protest was organized in response to various social and political issues, and it was reported to have been peaceful for the majority of its duration. However, just before 8 p.m., a shooting incident occurred near 200 South State Street, resulting in one person being critically injured and another individual being taken into custody. The Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed the shooting and indicated that they were actively investigating the incident, which disrupted the otherwise peaceful gathering.
Analysis
The claim that approximately 10,000 people participated in the protest is supported by multiple sources, including police estimates and news reports, which corroborate the attendance figures (source-2, source-3). The assertion that the protest was peaceful until the shooting aligns with the general narrative provided by eyewitness accounts and police statements, which emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest prior to the incident.
However, the specific details about the shooting, including the location and timing, are critical to understanding the context. Reports indicate that the shooting occurred near 151 South State Street, which is slightly different from the claim of "200 South State Street" (source-5, source-8). This discrepancy in the exact location raises questions about the precision of the claim.
In terms of source reliability, the information comes from established news outlets and police reports, which generally have a high level of credibility. However, the potential for bias exists in reporting on protests, as narratives can be influenced by the political leanings of the media outlets.
Conclusion
The claim is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the large turnout for the "No Kings" protest and the occurrence of a shooting that disrupted the event, it misidentifies the exact location of the shooting. The protest was indeed peaceful until the incident occurred, but the specifics regarding the location are crucial for a complete understanding of the event.
Sources
- June - Wikipedia
- Salt Lake City No Kings march: 1 'critically injured,' 1 arrested
- LIVE: Police investigating possible shots fired as 10,000 people march in downtown SLC for No Kings protest
- The Month of June 2025: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore - The Old Farmer's Almanac
- LIVE: One person injured after shots fired as 10,000 people march in downtown SLC for No Kings protest
- 2 people shot, including suspect in custody, during 'No Kings' protest
- 50 Fun Facts About June: Summer's Sweet Arrival
- 1 wounded in shooting during "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City