A federal grand jury has indicted Carson Moffitt, a 40-year-old from Salt Lake County, Utah, on charges related to an incident involving an AR-15 style rifle. As a previously convicted felon, Moffitt is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Nonetheless, he allegedly discharged a firearm within a school zone on April 2, 2025.
South Salt Lake City Police Department officers responded to a call regarding gunshots at Granite Park Junior High School at 7:15 p.m. Upon their arrival, officers found shell casings on the road near the school. Surveillance footage from the Granite School District law enforcement revealed a Subaru WRX, believed to be connected to the incident. Shortly thereafter, the Utah Highway Patrol observed the vehicle speeding. Despite an attempt to stop the vehicle, the driver evaded law enforcement by accelerating up to 130 miles per hour and exited onto Redwood Road and I-215 in Taylorsville before the pursuit was stopped. The vehicle was registered to Moffitt.
Law enforcement approached Moffitt’s registered address, and while doing so, shots were fired from the residence. A witness inside the home indicated that Moffitt was armed with a rifle. Moffitt attempted to flee after opening his garage, but was intercepted and apprehended by a Taylorsville City Police Department officer. An AR-15 style rifle with a drum magazine and ammunition was recovered from the vehicle.
Moffitt is facing charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as unlawful possession and use of a firearm in a school zone. His initial court appearance is set for April 17, 2025, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse.
The announcement of the indictment was made by Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah. The Utah State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation, with assistance from various local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda.
This case falls under the broader initiative known as Operation Take Back America, which aims to tackle illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and combat violent crime. The initiative uses resources from the Department of Justice's task forces.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.