Salt Lake City police arrest 8 in protest of port project

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Police arrested eight people after protesters of the Utah Inland Port Authority clashed with authorities.

Salt Lake City police say three people were cited and released Tuesday, but five were taken to jail on suspicion of charges that ranged from assault against a police officer and resisting arrest to trespassing and rioting.

The demonstration started peacefully outside the Salt Lake City Hall, but it took a chaotic turn when protesters entered the chamber of commerce building.

Police forced the group out, resulting in violent confrontations.

Police says officers and protesters had “bumps and bruises” but no serious injuries were reported.

Activists have raised concerns about the port project’s impact on air quality and wildlife, but the protesters Tuesday also railed against immigration policy, climate change and capitalism.