An Australian tourist’s visit to Salt Lake City took an unexpected turn when he was detained at City Creek Center with rifle components in his backpack.
At a Glance
- A 33-year-old Australian man was detained at City Creek Center in Salt Lake City
- Police found a “mostly assembled” rifle in his backpack
- The incident occurred after a 911 call reported a disturbance at a local coffee shop
- No charges have been filed, and investigations are ongoing
- Authorities state there is no ongoing threat to the community
Unexpected Discovery at City Creek Center
On a seemingly ordinary Saturday evening, Salt Lake City’s City Creek Center became the center of a security scare when a 33-year-old Australian tourist was detained with rifle components in his possession. The incident, which occurred around 5:30 p.m., began with a 911 call reporting a disturbance at a local coffee shop within the shopping complex.
According to reports, an alert employee noticed firearm parts in the man’s bag and promptly contacted authorities. This swift action led to the detention of the individual by police and City Creek security personnel. Upon inspection, law enforcement discovered what they described as a “mostly assembled” rifle in the tourist’s backpack.
What was he thinking?
BREAKING: “Mostly assembled” rifle seized from Australian tourist’s backpack at City Creek Center in downtown Salt Lake.https://t.co/gkuTNLYN6r
— KUTV2news (@KUTV2News) January 12, 2025
Investigation Underway
The Salt Lake City Police Department, in collaboration with federal agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), has launched a thorough investigation into the incident. Key questions remain about how the Australian visitor obtained the weapon components and what his intentions were.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the detained individual, and as of now, no charges have been filed. The police department emphasized that there is no evidence the firearm was ever fully assembled, which may factor into the ongoing legal considerations.
The incident at City Creek Center, a popular shopping destination in downtown Salt Lake City, initially sparked concern among local residents and visitors. However, law enforcement officials have been quick to reassure the public that there is no ongoing threat to community safety.