What Happened in the Mass Shooting at a US Festival Involving an Infant?

Utah, June 16 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, three individuals, including an 8-month-old infant, lost their lives while two others sustained injuries during a mass shooting on the last night of WestFest, a cultural celebration in West Valley City, the second-largest city in Utah.

The West Valley City Police Department reported that the victims comprised a 41-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man, and the infant. Additionally, two teenagers were injured by gunfire, while a pregnant woman was hurt while trying to escape the chaos by jumping a fence.

Authorities have apprehended a 16-year-old male in relation to this incident.

Police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku confirmed that there are currently no other suspects being pursued.

The shooting occurred around 9:20 p.m. local time at Centennial Park, right in front of various carnival rides, intensifying the panic among families and children attending the festival.

Officers on duty noticed a verbal dispute between two groups. As they approached, the teenage suspect allegedly brandished a firearm and opened fire.

"At 9:20 p.m., officers monitoring the WestFest carnival observed two groups engaged in a verbal conflict. As they moved to de-escalate the situation, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups drew a weapon and fired. One officer discharged their weapon but did not hit the suspect, who was subsequently taken into custody," stated the police department on X.

While officers were present, they did not fire their weapons and successfully detained the shooter shortly after the shooting began.

Witnesses recounted moments of fear and confusion, with families scattering in all directions. Many took to social media to share their experiences and report on the substantial police presence.

"Detectives are actively interviewing witnesses. We believe there are additional individuals who may have seen the incident and we encourage them to come forward," the police stated.

Investigators continued gathering witness accounts late into the night, urging anyone who may have left the area amidst the turmoil to provide information.

The motive for the shooting remains unknown. Authorities had not yet spoken with the suspect as of the Sunday night briefing and could not confirm any potential gang connections.

The annual WestFest is a cherished event celebrating the cultural diversity of West Valley City, making this horrific event particularly shocking for residents who came to enjoy music, food, and rides.

The investigation is ongoing.