Three people, including an eight-month-old baby, were killed and two teenagers injured in a mass shooting at an annual community carnival in West Valley City, a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sunday night, authorities confirmed.
According to the West Valley City Police Department, the shooting occurred during “Westfest” at Centennial Park after an altercation broke out between two groups. A 16-year-old male from one of the groups reportedly pulled a gun and opened fire as police officers approached to break up the dispute.
Tragically, the gunfire claimed the lives of an 18-year-old man involved in the argument, a 41-year-old female bystander, and an eight-month-old infant. Two teenagers—a male and a female—were shot in the arm. Police said it was unclear whether they were part of the groups involved.
Officers at the scene returned fire but did not strike the suspect, who has since been taken into custody.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, this incident marks the 156th mass shooting in the United States so far this year, based on the definition of four or more people shot or killed, excluding the shooter.
The shooting has left the West Valley City community reeling, with local officials calling for unity and support for the victims’ families as the city grapples with the aftermath of the violent event.
Melissa Enoch
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