‘No Kings’ protest permit gives insight into security hiring before fatal shooting
Jun 25, 2025, 3:29 PM | Updated: Jun 26, 2025, 1:54 pm
People begin running as police tackle a man after reports of an active shooter during the “No Kings” protest and march in Salt Lake City on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — A permit obtained by KSL indicates that organizers of the deadly “No Kings” protest on June 14 said they would not hire private security or off-duty Salt Lake City police officers for the protest.
But volunteer peacekeepers were at the event. Today it is unclear whether those people, or their role, goes against the rally organizer’s answers in the online permit form.
Additionally, the organization listed on the application is Utah Protest and Rally LLC. KSL confirmed with the Utah Department of Commerce that is not a registered LLC in Utah.
Screenshot of the application provided by the “No Kings” Salt Lake City organizer to Salt Lake City officials. The permit application shows organizers did not intend to hire any security for the protest.
The permit was filled out by organizers and filed with Salt Lake City in order to host the demonstration.
Salt Lake City Police believe one of the volunteer peacekeepers fired shots during the protest, which killed an innocent bystander.
Additionally, the permit filed as a Utah50501 National Day of Protest event, said the demonstration would have 30 event “staff and volunteers.”
In response to questions about how the city verifies information on permit applications, a spokesperson in the mayor’s office wrote, “A group’s legal registration or business status is not a prerequisite for exercising the constitutional right to peacefully protest. When evaluating permits for demonstrations, the City’s primary focus is on protecting and facilitating individuals’ First Amendment rights.
“This right also allows people to demonstrate spontaneously without a permit, though we appreciate when permits are filed as it helps us better plan for them,” the mayoral spokesperson said.
Related reading:
- A witness sheltered in an alcove after ‘No Kings’ shooting in Salt Lake. So did a suspect
- ‘No Kings’ organizer 50501 cuts ties with Salt Lake branch after fatal shooting
- ‘Peacekeeper’ who fired shots at SLC protest was volunteer, military veteran, organizers say
- Judge approves jail hold extension for man being held in connection to deadly SLC protest shooting
- Who is Arturo Gamboa, the man accused in deadly ‘No Kings’ shooting?
- Understanding Utah gun laws after deadly Salt Lake City protest shooting
