PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

June 3, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Investigating Shooting in Downtown

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating a shooting in downtown which resulted in bullets going over the heads of several officers.

“Every day when our officers come to work, they risk their lives to maintain the safety of our community,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. “This investigation is ongoing but the reckless disregard of someone who openly shoots in a crowded space not only endangers innocent lives, but it also poses an immediate threat to our police officers. I am proud of the bravery of our police officers who found themselves in a dangerous and chaotic situation last night.”

This investigation started at 3:33 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, when officers assigned to the Central Bike Squad were proactively patrolling a parking lot near 60 West Market Street. The officers heard a volley of gunshots. Several of the rounds flew over the officers’ heads. At least one of the rounds hit a sign above the officers.

The officers called for immediate back-up, which resulted in a city-wide response because it was initially unclear where the shooter was and who or what they were shooting at.

Officers quickly gathered information about the shooter’s description and relayed that information to other officers and law enforcement in the area.

Patrol officers looking for the suspect found someone who matched the suspect’s description.

Officers attempted to take that person into custody, but he ran from officers near the Wells Fargo building.

Officers quickly and safely arrested the person who remained uncooperative with officers and detectives.

Immediately after securing the area where the shooting occurred, officers and detectives went throughout the area looking for any victims.

As of this writing, there are no known gunshot victims.

Officers did find damage to the Orrin G. Hatch federal courthouse.

Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department booked 19-year-old Amhednasir Abdi into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of fleeing from officers, providing a false identification, and public intoxication. Detectives also booked Abdi into jail on previous outstanding felony warrants.

Detectives will continue their investigation into the shooting and charges related to that may be forthcoming.

The Salt Lake City Police Department will continue to have enhanced patrols this, and future weekends, in the downtown area to help ensure community safety.

There is no evidence to suggest this shooting had any connection to any Pride 2023 weekend events.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

A photo of the damage to the Orrin G. Hatch federal courthouse is being provided. Media may use this photo with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

1 – A photo of a gunshot round to the U.S. federal courthouse building in downtown Salt Lake City (Salt Lake City Police Department photo | June 2, 2023).

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