Authorities have taken a man into custody after he allegedly attacked multiple individuals during a demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City on February 17. Several witnesses, including some of the victims, shared their accounts of the incident.
Michael Christensen, 38, faces multiple charges, including four counts of assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, lewdness, and having an open container in public. Police allege that Christensen used pepper spray on four people who were participating in the protest.
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), an initial investigation indicated that Christensen instigated arguments with several attendees and disrupted the event. However, police stated that there is no current evidence linking him to a counter-protest or suggesting that his actions were premeditated.
Detective Michael Ruff, a spokesperson for SLCPD, said event organizers had coordinated with police prior to the protest. Officers were called to the scene around 4:30 p.m. after receiving reports of multiple people being pepper sprayed. Fortunately, all injuries were minor and were treated on-site by medical personnel and fellow demonstrators.
Among those affected were Travis and Brandi Hysell, as well as Julia Graff, who later sought medical attention to ensure the pepper spray was fully flushed from her eyes.
Julia’s sister, Anna Graff, recounted an alarming moment when a man allegedly rushed from the sidewalk and attempted to push over a protester in a motorized wheelchair. Anna alerted others, prompting Travis and Brandi to follow the suspect in an attempt to record his actions.
Travis described how he approached the man to get a clear view of his face when the suspect suddenly pulled out pepper spray and discharged it at close range. “No warning—he just sprayed me and then turned, continuing to spray,” he said.
Julia, who was also recording, recalled making eye contact with the suspect before he sprayed her. Despite the pain, she remained calm, knowing that other protesters had her back.
Local restaurant staff provided assistance to those affected, allowing them to clean up inside. Meanwhile, Brandi continued to follow the suspect until bystanders tackled him and restrained him for police.
Authorities later discovered that Christensen was carrying a sharp-edged weapon along with drug paraphernalia and alcohol. He also had outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest.
Christensen was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. All charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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