A gunman opened fire on two Salt Lake County lawmakers on Saturday, leaving one in critical but stable condition.
The deputies were patrolling the perimeter of the sheriff’s office building when, according to law enforcement, they encountered an armed man who was apparently in his thirties. When they tried to approach him, the man shot at the two deputies and punched each one in the face.
The deputy in critical condition was shot in the eye. According to the sheriff’s department, who did not release their names, the other one was shot in the jaw and he would be discharged from the hospital at the weekend.
“The work of law enforcement is becoming increasingly dangerous,” Sheriff Rosie Rivera said in a statement. ‘
The shooter, who has not yet been publicly identified, was killed after one of the deputies fired back.
“We do not know what he did here on the scene,” Rivera said in a newsletter, adding that officials believe the gunman experienced homelessness. “The delegates are going to investigate him when something happens.”
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox called the shooting a “horrific tragedy” in a tweet, saying he and his wife were praying for the delegates.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson tweeted that she is “grateful for the sacrifice law enforcement makes every day.”
“Our hearts and hopes are with the delegates and their families,” she said.