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Salt Lake City prepares for 'No Kings Day' protests


{p}More than 1,600 protests are planned across the country this weekend, with 12 in Utah. (Photo: KUTV){/p}

More than 1,600 protests are planned across the country this weekend, with 12 in Utah. (Photo: KUTV)

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More than 1,600 protests are planned across the country this weekend, with 12 in Utah.

Organizers for Saturday’s "No Kings Day" said the demonstrations are to fight back against cruelty, corruption, and authoritarianism.

"I hope it's a lot of people, because I hope that our small city gets recognition for what we're doing,” said resident Jules Watson about the upcoming protests.

MORE | Dozens rally in Salt Lake City to show solidarity with Los Angeles protesters

Salt Lake has seen its share of protests, with several large ones happening this year alone. The most notable protests happened in 2020, when cars and buildings were damaged, buildings were spray-painted, and windows were broken.

If things do heat up, police said they are ready.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we are taking a proactive effort to make sure that we have enough resources to maintain the operational readiness of the Salt Lake City Police Department,” said SLCPD's Brent Weisberg.

"We did learn a lot from 2020,” he added. “We are taking those lessons and are continuously using those lessons to evolve as a police department."

On Tuesday, Governor Cox said he wants Utah to be the best place to protest but the worst place to riot.

"The second you start, you implement violence or property destruction, we will arrest you and we will hold you accountable,” he said at his monthly press conference.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mayor Erin Mendenhall echoed that sentiment, saying she “supports the right to peacefully protest but will not tolerate violence or destruction in the city.”

“Our administration is working closely with SLCPD to monitor planned protests and is confident in their preparations to maintain public safety while allowing individuals to peacefully protest,” she said.

However, in 2020, there was controversy about police not stepping in during the protests, after District Attorney Sim Gill said he asked the mayor, who is technically in command of the police chief, for help protecting his office building as its windows were broken and hundreds of gallons of paint were dumped on it.

2News asked Weisberg how much of a say the mayor will have if police decisions need to be made during the protests.

“The ultimate responsibility of the police department and in any actions that will be taken will be ultimately made by the chief of police,” he said.

Weisberg didn't go into detail about what the department's plans are for the protests, but reiterated that they will not allow violence, property destruction, or crimes to happen.

2News asked the mayor's office for an interview, but didn't get a response.

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