SALT LAKE CITY — Governor Gary Herbert declared a state of emergency late Thursday because of protests in downtown that resulted in vandalism.
The emergency due to "civil unrest" closed the Utah State Capitol grounds to the public until at least July 14. He also offered Utah's Department of Public Safety to Salt Lake City.
The governor cited the vandalism to the Capitol during the first wave of demonstrations in the aftermath of George Floyd's death, where thousands protested against racism and police brutality. But he also cited the vandalism to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office.
The state of emergency was issued after protesters dispersed from downtown Salt Lake City. On Thursday afternoon, after District Attorney Sim Gill declared the shooting of Bernardo Palacios-Cabrajal legally justified, the Capitol grounds saw a significant increase in security in advance of protests. He previously closed the Capitol grounds after they were vandalized May 30.
Read the governor's declaration here:
