According to the West Valley City Police Department, the victims who lost their lives include the infant, an 18-year-old man, and a 41-year-old woman. In total, five individuals were struck by bullets during the chaos.
The incident unfolded around 9:20 p.m. when officers working security at the festival observed a verbal altercation between two groups. As they moved in to intervene, a 16-year-old from one of the groups allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire. One officer returned fire but did not strike the shooter.
The teenage suspect was apprehended on the scene and remains in custody. Authorities have confirmed they will not release his identity due to his age.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson expressed her grief in a statement shared with The Salt Lake Tribune:
“The violence and deaths at the WestFest celebration in West Valley are tragic and seem to be the result of youth violence. I am so deeply saddened by the loss of life, especially that of an innocent bystander and an infant.”
Police say the investigation is still active, with detectives interviewing witnesses and reviewing available footage. Authorities are urging anyone with information or firsthand knowledge of the shooting to contact the West Valley City Police Department.
The massacre at WestFest comes just a day after another deadly shooting rocked the area — 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo was fatally shot during the “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City, heightening concerns about escalating violence in the region.