Fact Check: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated that the violence seen during the protest is 'horrific' and emphasized that people deserve to feel safe exercising their First Amendment rights.

Fact Check: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall's Statement on Protest Violence

What We Know

On June 15, 2025, during a protest in Salt Lake City, a shooting occurred that left one person critically injured. In response to this incident, Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence, stating, "The violence we've seen today in Salt Lake City and elsewhere in the country is horrific—it's just not who we are. We deserve to feel safe, especially when exercising our First Amendment rights" (source-2). This statement was made in the context of a larger discussion about public safety and the rights of citizens to protest peacefully.

In a previous address on May 26, 2022, Mayor Mendenhall had also referred to violence as "horrific," particularly in the context of mass shootings across the nation, emphasizing the need for communities to feel safe (source-1). She expressed her commitment to ensuring safety in various public spaces, including during protests.

Analysis

The claim that Mayor Mendenhall described the violence during the protest as "horrific" and emphasized the right to feel safe while exercising First Amendment rights is accurate. Her statements directly address the violence that occurred and reflect a broader concern for public safety during protests.

However, the context of her comments is crucial. While she did use the term "horrific" to describe the violence, it is important to note that her remarks were part of a response to a specific incident that had just occurred, which adds urgency to her condemnation. Furthermore, her earlier comments about violence in general also highlight a consistent theme in her public statements regarding safety and community well-being.

The sources used to verify this claim are credible, including direct statements from Mayor Mendenhall and coverage from established news outlets. The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their direct quotations and the context provided around the events being discussed.

Conclusion

The claim that Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated that the violence seen during the protest is "horrific" and emphasized that people deserve to feel safe exercising their First Amendment rights is Partially True. While her statements are accurate and reflect her views on the matter, they are part of a broader narrative regarding violence and safety in public spaces, which she has addressed multiple times. This context is essential for understanding the full scope of her remarks.

Sources

1. Mayor Mendenhall Addresses Recent Gun Violence
2. Gunman Opens Fire on 'No Kings' Protest in Salt Lake City
3. Utah leaders condemn shooting at 'No Kings' protest
4. LIVE: One in the hospital, one arrested after shots fired at ...
5. 1 person critically injured in Salt Lake City protest march ...
6. 2 people shot, including suspect in custody, during 'No Kings' protest ...
7. Utahns gather for 'No Kings' protests across the state
8. 1 critically injured, 1 in custody following shooting during large ...