Fact Check: "Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the shooting at the protest as a 'deeply troubling act of violence' in a statement released shortly after the incident."
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, a shooting occurred during a protest in Salt Lake City, Utah, known as the "No Kings" protest, which was attended by approximately 10,000 people. The incident resulted in one person being critically injured and another being shot, leading to multiple arrests by the Salt Lake City police (source-2). In the aftermath, Utah Governor Spencer Cox released a statement describing the shooting as "a deeply troubling act of violence that has no place in our public square" (source-1). This statement was made shortly after the incident, around 9 p.m. on the same day (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Governor Spencer Cox described the shooting as a "deeply troubling act of violence" is supported by multiple sources. His statement was widely reported and can be directly referenced from his official post on X (formerly Twitter) (source-1). Other news outlets, including the Idaho Capital Sun and ABC4, corroborated this statement, emphasizing its timing and context in relation to the shooting incident (source-2, source-3).
The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations reporting on a significant public safety issue. However, it is important to note that the phrasing of Cox's statement is consistent across various reports, indicating a consensus on the content of his message (source-4, source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the shooting at the protest as a "deeply troubling act of violence" is True. This is substantiated by his direct statement, which has been reported consistently across multiple credible sources. The context of the statement aligns with the events that unfolded during the protest, confirming its accuracy.
Sources
- Governor Cox on X - Link
- 2 people shot, including suspect in custody, during 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City - Link
- Utahns gather for 'No Kings' protests across the state - Link
- 'Not who we are,' says Mayor Mendenhall after shooting at ... - Link
- One hospitalized after shooting at 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City - Link
- One dead after shooting at 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City - Link
- 'Innocent bystander' shot, killed by member of ... - Link
