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16-Year-Old Arrested After WestFest Shooting Kills Three, Injures Two

Officials have appealed for witnesses following calls from advocates for stronger youth gun violence prevention.

Overview

  • Three people died in the shooting, including a 41-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man and an 8-month-old infant, and two teenagers were wounded.
  • Police said officers at Centennial Park intervened in a verbal dispute around 9:20 p.m. when a 16-year-old pulled a gun and opened fire.
  • The 16-year-old suspect was detained at the scene and detectives are interviewing witnesses and processing evidence as the investigation continues.
  • West Valley City officials, including Mayor Karen Lang, have expressed sorrow alongside calls for community solidarity after the festival tragedy.
  • The incident occurred on WestFest’s final night just a day after a deadly shooting at a Salt Lake City protest, highlighting Utah’s recent surge in mass shootings.