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February 11, 2025 |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2025 Media Contact Information |
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SLCPD Committed to Promoting Public Safety During Large Demonstrations, Community Assistance RequestedSALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is committed to protecting First Amendment rights while helping to ensure community safety during demonstrations. Around 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, the SLCPD responded to a large, permitted event that marched from the Utah capitol to Washington Square. The SLCPD estimated the crowd size to be approximately 1,100 people. The SLCPD coordinated with the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) and implemented traffic control measures to help ensure safety for participants and other community members. The SLCPD’s Motor Squad also coordinated with the permitted event organizer to assist in maintaining a safe and orderly march. Additional groups and participants, including vehicles, later joined the rally. The SLCPD often deploys public liaison officers to work with groups to understand their planned route and to enhance public safety. These public liaison teams are critical to helping ensure the SLCPD can promote safe passage while also minimizing disruption to other community members. At times, on Saturday, march participants moved into opposing lanes of traffic. SLCPD officers worked to manage traffic flow and tried to engage with participants to ensure a safe and orderly demonstration. The SLCPD is investigating an incident involving a march attendee and a motorist, which occurred near 350 South State Street. Officers have spoken with all involved parties, including independent witnesses. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Unpermitted demonstrations require additional public safety considerations, particularly regarding traffic flow and emergency access. Vehicles in, or supporting, demonstrations have been used to block traffic and can create hazardous conditions, preventing emergency vehicles from accessing the demonstration route. Unlawful vehicle activity, including reckless driving and failure to comply with police orders, may result in citations or arrest. Uninvolved motorists and community members are strongly encouraged to support public safety by avoiding areas where the SLCPD is conducting traffic control measures. The SLCPD urges demonstrators to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and mindful of public safety. Around 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2025, SLCPD public liaison officers deployed to an unpermitted event at Washington Square. There were no reported issues associated with this event. The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.
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