Hundreds march through downtown streets, stop at Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office

SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds of people gathered in Salt Lake City Saturday evening in one of many protests in Utah over the last two weeks where protesters have demanded police reform and an end to racism.

The event, ‘Stop Police Crimes! National Day of Action,’ was hosted by the groups Utah Against Police Brutality, Justice for Cody and Salt Lake City FRSO.

The protest began at Pioneer Park, where dozens of speakers shared their experiences and hopes for the future with the crowd. Across the street, Caputo’s Market & Deli offered protesters free snacks and water.

Protesters then began to move through the Downtown Salt Lake City streets marching to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. Protesters chanted, “Sim Gill do your job” as protesters demanded police who they believe have committed crimes are held responsible.

Several people spoke to the crowd, including Black Lives Matter volunteer Rae Duckworth. She demanded more from our elected officials and asked everyone to do the same.

“I want a reaction from them [elected officials]. I don’t want them kneeling with me, I don’t want inviting me for me tea, I want them to do something about this so I don’t have to worry about my little brother, my older brother or my nephews anymore,” she said.

Duckworth challenged protesters to sign this petition, demanding a police reform bill be passed in Utah. She, along with others, encouraged protesters to get out and vote.

Next, protesters marched to the memorial site for Bernardo Palacios. Palacios was shot and killed May 23 by SLCPD officers.

Protesters and organizer say they will continue to fight and protest until things change.