Utah House leaders say they are cooperating with DPS after protest shooting; decline broad gun restrictions

Utah House leadership said they had met with law enforcement after a shooting at a protest and that the Department of Public Safety and Salt Lake City Police Department are handling an active investigation. "Any violence of any sort is terrible," the Speaker said, and added that caucus members had been briefed by Chief Red and Commissioner Anderson but were not given details because the matter is under investigation.

During a question-and-answer period, lawmakers and reporters pressed the caucus on personal security measures, the role of DPS and whether the state would consider restrictions on openly carried long guns at protests. The Speaker said security is assessed on a case-by-case basis and that DPS routinely coordinates with local law enforcement: "Every time and anytime there's been an issue ... the Department of Public Safety, they bend over backwards to vet it and to check it out and to make sure that we have the protection there."

Unidentified Speaker 3, speaking for the caucus, called the protest death an "absolute tragedy" and said the deceased person "was there practicing his first amendment right." The Speaker said he was "100% confident in Salt Lake City Police Department" to conduct a fair investigation but urged patience while authorities gather facts.

When asked whether Utah lawmakers would consider adopting a law like those in about two dozen other states that restrict openly carrying AR-style rifles at protests, the Speaker declined to endorse such a policy, saying, "Utah is a very proud second amendment state," and that the caucus would balance accessibility to the Capitol with appropriate security measures.

The House briefing did not produce any formal policy decision or vote. Lawmakers said discussions with DPS and local law enforcement will continue as more information about the shooting becomes available.