Nearly a year after a deadly burst of gunfire tore through WestFest, killing three people, including an eight‑month‑old infant, West Valley City officials say the annual celebration is coming back to Centennial Park with a tighter security game plan. The festival will return with added precautions meant to keep families safe, with organizers and city staff reworking how people enter, exit, and move through the grounds as the neighborhood continues to grapple with what happened during the 2025 event.
In a statement to ABC4 Utah, the West Valley City Police Department said it is rolling out additional security measures for this year’s WestFest and that leaders have “taken meaningful action” ahead of the June dates. According to the department, those steps are being coordinated with city leadership and other public‑safety partners to reduce risk in and around the park.
The renewed push on safety follows the June 15, 2025, shooting at WestFest that authorities say left three people dead and two others wounded, according to AP News. Local reporting indicates the violence broke out near the festival entrance at Centennial Park, 5405 W. 3100 South, as officers moved in to break up a verbal dispute between two groups, KSL reported.
Council Authorizes Stronger Enforcement
Looking to give police more room to work during the festival, the West Valley City Council approved a resolution that designates the WestFest area as a zone where orders to disperse and gang‑loitering prohibitions can be enforced while the event is underway. The resolution outlines the WestFest dates as June 17–20, and officially pins the event to Centennial Park at 5405 W. 3100 South. The city’s resolution is posted on the state meeting‑notice site at utah.gov.
Mixed Response From Residents
Neighbors are split on whether the city has gone far enough. Some residents say they are relieved to see extra policing, while others argue that visible physical screenings at the gate need to be front and center if the city wants families to feel comfortable bringing kids back to the park. Attendees interviewed by ABC4 Utah called for steps like metal detectors and stricter bag checks, and many locals say officials still have to walk a fine line between keeping the festival open and welcoming and making sure it feels secure. “The shooting last year was startling and came as a huge shock,” one resident told the outlet.
Where The Criminal Case Stands
On the legal front, prosecutors have charged a 16‑year‑old with multiple murder counts in connection with the June 2025 shooting, and the case remains active as investigators and prosecutors continue gathering evidence, AP News reported. The charges include counts tied to two bystanders who were killed, and prosecutors have asked that the teen be held without bond.
What To Expect At This Year’s WestFest
City officials say WestFest is scheduled to run June 17–20 and that attendees should plan for a more visible security presence and enforcement of the newly approved rules inside the festival perimeter. Organizers and police say they will release specific entry guidelines and crowd‑safety rules closer to opening day and are urging anyone who sees or senses a safety concern to flag it for officers on site.
