Tragedy struck the final night of WestFest in West Valley City, where a shooting incident left three dead, including an 8-month-old baby, and two others injured. The event, designed to celebrate the diverse cultures in Utah’s second-largest city, turned chaotic as gunfire erupted at around 9:20 p.m. at Centennial Park.
According to police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku, the victims comprised a 41-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man, and the infant. Two teenagers sustained gunshot injuries, while a pregnant woman was hurt as she attempted to escape the scene by jumping a fence.
A 16-year-old male has been apprehended in connection with the shooting. Vainuku confirmed that he is currently the only suspect in custody as the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are exploring leads as detectives continue to speak with witnesses, who may have left the scene during the panic that followed the shooting.
Police were on-site at the festival and noticed two groups involved in a verbal confrontation when the suspect opened fire. Fortunately, law enforcement officers did not fire upon the suspect during the arrest.
This unfathomable incident occurred shortly after another violent occurrence in Salt Lake City, further prompting concerns about public safety in the region.
Community leaders and law enforcement officials are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
It’s crucial to recognize the broader context of these incidents. The community’s resilience in the face of such violence can be a pathway to healing. Public gatherings like WestFest are meant to bring people together, and it’s important to work towards ensuring safety and peace at future events.