Salt Lake City Cancels March for ‘No Kings’ Protest Amid Safety Concerns

UPDATE: The upcoming ‘No Kings’ protest in Salt Lake City has just confirmed a significant change—a cancellation of the march scheduled for October 18, 2023, due to heightened safety concerns following a tragic shooting at a previous event. This decision comes as emotions remain high in the community after Afa Ah Loo, a beloved Pacific Islander artist, was fatally shot during a protest at Pioneer Park on June 14.

Authorities and organizers stress the importance of safety for the anticipated crowd of over 10,000 participants. In lieu of the march, the event will proceed as a rally at the Utah State Capitol at 11 a.m., allowing for a gathering focused on community support rather than a procession through the streets.

Jamie Carter, one of the organizers, stated, “Community safety is our number one focus, and we want Saturday to be a day of community gathering.” The decision to cancel the march was made based on community feedback and the emotional aftermath of the June shooting, which occurred when a volunteer ‘peacekeeper’ reacted to a protestor carrying a rifle.

To ensure a peaceful atmosphere, Salt Lake Indivisible, one of the key organizations behind the event, has outlined several safety measures. They are urging all attendees to leave any weapons at home, even those legally permitted, to foster a non-confrontational environment. Volunteers will have completed de-escalation and protest safety training, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining peace throughout the event.

In addition, trained medical professionals will be on-site to provide first aid, and the Utah Highway Patrol is expected to monitor the rally, further enhancing security measures. Organizers are also encouraging participants to engage in a virtual training session hosted by the ACLU before attending.

The ‘No Kings’ movement has gained momentum nationally, and this rally is part of a series of protests occurring across the country on the same day. The Salt Lake City event aims to highlight community solidarity and resilience, featuring speakers, musical performances, and a comedy act.

As anticipation builds for Saturday’s gathering, the focus remains on creating a safe and respectful environment for all participants. The Salt Lake City community continues to reflect on the impact of recent events while coming together in a show of unity.

For more information on the ‘No Kings’ movement, visit their official website.