
A shocking situation unfolded at City Creek Center in downtown Salt Lake City yesterday where law enforcement apprehended a man carrying a partially assembled rifle in his backpack. According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the incident prompted a swift response from officers after a 911 call came in around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, reporting a disturbance at a local coffee shop.
The investigation kicked off when an employee, concerned by the man's statement and witnessing what seemed to be firearm parts inside his bag, contacted the authorities, this led to the officers, along with City Creek's security personnel, to track down, and detain the 33-year-old tourist from Australia.
Salt Lake City Police Department revealed that although the rifle was mostly put together, there was no evidence to suggest that the firearm was fully assembled at any point. Presently, the man’s name has not been disclosed as charges have not been filed, but investigative efforts are ongoing to understand how he came to possess the components of the weapon.
Collaboration with federal agencies is part of the thorough probe, with the SLCPD in contact with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to ascertain further details while the City Creek Center is acknowledged for their cooperation, meanwhile, officers have clearly stated that there appears to be no ongoing threat to the community.