SALT LAKE CITY — It’s been nearly two weeks now since a peaceful protest in downtown Salt Lake City over the death of George Floyd erupted into a riot.
Before it was over, dozens of police officers had to disperse hundreds of folks, some of whom became quite violent.
Salt Lake City Police are now asking the public to help them identify some of the individuals they say were inciting and taking part in the violence.
Although a huge crowd was there that night, detectives say there are a handful of individuals who were causing a lot of the problems and committing crimes — including taking a handgun from the squad car that was overturned and burned.
This was an incredibly tense situation for the officer, who ran from their vehicle before they were able to retrieve a backpack containing that handgun.
Police have released these photos of several individuals they say were taking part in the violence, at least one of whom they believe either has that officer's handgun or knows where it is. They want the weapon off the street as soon as possible.
Detectives have spent several days reviewing multiple downtown cameras to come up with these images.
Anyone who recognizes these individuals is asked to call Salt Lake City Police at 801-799-3000, and tips can remain anonymous.
They also invite anyone who recognizes themselves and would like to explain their situation to call as well.
Five individuals have already been arrested in connection with the destruction of the police car, and dozens more were arrested on charges of failure to disperse or curfew violation.
