The police killing of Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal in Salt Lake City drew protests amid the broader national unrest following George Floyd's murder in May 2020.
Key Facts
- Age of victim
- 22 years old
- Shots fired by officers
- 34 shots
- Times victim was struck
- 13–15 times
- Bodycam footage released
- June 5, 2020
- DA ruling
- Shooting legally justified; no charges filed
- DA ruling date
- July 9, 2020
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Officers pursued Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal, age 22, after he fled on foot while carrying a firearm. During the chase, he repeatedly dropped the gun and picked it back up, leading officers to open fire.
On May 23, 2020, Salt Lake City police officers shot Palacios-Carbajal, firing 34 rounds and striking him 13 to 15 times. The incident was recorded on officer bodycameras, footage of which was released to the public on June 5, 2020.
The shooting sparked local protests that coincided with nationwide demonstrations following George Floyd's murder. On July 9, 2020, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill determined the use of force was legally justified and declined to file criminal charges against the officers involved.