Utah police carefully monitoring Juneteenth events in the wake of other U.S. shootings

SALT LAKE CITY— In the wake of several shootings around the country during Juneteenth celebrations, Salt Lake City Police plan to keep a close eye on festivities here at home.

“We’ve certainly been monitoring what’s been happening across the country,” said Salt Lake City Police Spokesperson Brent Weisberg. “Obviously it’s concerning for us when people are gathering to celebrate this very important holiday (and) you have these acts of violence happening.”

Weisberg said there is no intel to suggest anything will happen in Salt Lake City, but they still plan to have officers stationed at nearby events and around the city.

“We are going to continue to have a heightened awareness here in Salt Lake City,” Weisberg said. “Our officers…will be out throughout the day.”

Weisberg said they will have officers at a planned march from the State Capitol to the Gateway, as well as a flag-raising ceremony at the Salt Lake City and County Building.

Weisberg encourages anyone who needs help to give them a call at their non-emergency line, or to dial 911 if they feel it’s an emergency.

The key to being safe for the holiday, Weisberg said is to say something if you see something.

“Not only do we want to help keep our community safe, but we also want to celebrate…and…honor this important holiday,” Weisberg said.

Read more:

• What to know about Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday
• Ogden activist hopes Juneteenth will be a time to look ahead

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