Salt Lake City ‘No Kings’ Protest Adjusts Plans Amid Safety Concerns

UPDATE: The upcoming ‘No Kings’ protest in Salt Lake City has just announced a significant change: the march portion of the event has been canceled due to safety concerns following a deadly shooting at a previous protest. Scheduled for October 18 at 11 a.m., the event will now take place solely as a rally at the Utah State Capitol.

Emotions are running high in Salt Lake City after the tragic death of Afa Ah Loo, a Pacific Islander artist, during the June 14 ‘No Kings’ protest at Pioneer Park. This incident has prompted organizers to prioritize community safety for this Saturday’s gathering, which is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees.

Jamie Carter, one of the rally organizers, emphasized the importance of a safe environment, stating, “Community safety is our number one focus, and we want Saturday to be a day of community gathering.” Given the heightened emotions surrounding the site of the previous shooting, the decision to forgo the march was made to ensure a peaceful atmosphere.

Organizers from Salt Lake Indivisible, a key group behind the event, are implementing additional safety measures. In a social media post, they stressed that this will be a peaceful event and urged participants to leave all weapons at home, including legally permitted firearms. This precaution follows the June incident where a volunteer ‘peacekeeper’ opened fire after spotting a protestor with a rifle.

Authorities confirm that Utah Highway Patrol will be present at the Capitol to maintain order, and trained medical professionals will be on-site to provide first aid if needed. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to participate in a virtual training session hosted by the ACLU on Wednesday to better prepare for the rally.

The ‘No Kings’ rally promises to be a vibrant gathering, featuring speakers, musical performances, and a comedy act, all aimed at promoting unity and community spirit.

Stay tuned for further updates as the event approaches, and remember the importance of safety and solidarity in the face of recent events. The ‘No Kings’ movement continues to resonate across the nation, and this rally serves as a critical moment for community engagement and support.