SLC PROTEST

Man Who Defended 7-Eleven From Looters Speaks With KSL

Jun 2, 2020, 9:05 PM | Updated: 11:36 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The man seen on video telling people to stop looting a 7-Eleven during a protest that turned violent downtown talked to KSL about the experience.

“This isn’t the answer. This isn’t how we do it,” he was heard telling protestors.

It was a dangerous drama playing out in the convenience store in downtown Salt Lake City Saturday night. Had it not been for the efforts of a lifelong Utahn, a nightmare scenario could have become much worse.

The sights and sounds of the peaceful demonstrators’ message ran amok, when the memory of George Floyd, the anger of police brutality and the frustration of being ignored was lost in the rush of stealing, looting and damaging a store.

This isn’t a looting story – it’s a success story.

Bystander Ken Akers saw something – and said something – and saved something. In this case, the father of three boys saved someone’s store that was under attack.

“Once they rushed up, they had bottles, loose rags, throwing at windows, breaking glass, glass was crashing to the ground,” he said.

Akers was watching the events unfold from his truck. When he heard the store clerk cry for help, his instinct as a former military policeman kicked in.

“I ran up to the door and tried to grab some people along the way,” he said. “I didn’t have an idea of what I was going to do. I said, ‘You just have to stop this. This is not what a moment is supposed to look like, we’re supposed to be educating people.’”

As the conflict continued, Akers came face-to-face with two men who entered the store with the look of trouble in their eyes.

“I just tried to calm him down. He yelled that I need to tell the police that, and that’s when I became emotional,” said Akers. “For some reason, he turned around and he and the other guy walked away. When they moved, the rest of the group started to follow.”

Akers saved the store, and in his own way, he helped preserve the message that the original peaceful protest began with. He chose insight instead of inciting.

“Criminalizing a movement and feeling sorry for a particular situation is not the answer. We have to spread love. We have to spread peace. That’s what I tried to educate them on that day,” he said. “In Utah we have a unique diversity. What this is all triggering, it’s just not us. I can’t speak for everybody. We want to spread the message of peace, love and compassion.”

Akers said if he could, he would love to sit down those who rushed the 7-Eleven and the store clerk – also a minority – and help educate them on how to focus their feelings to create positive change, and not just more trouble.

Many hope his message resonates in Salt Lake City.

KSL 5 TV Live

SLC Protest

Rioters flipped and set a Salt Lake City Police car on fire during the riot in Downtown on May 30, ...

Dan Rascon, KSL TV

No jail time for man who set police car on fire during 2020 riots in SLC

A federal judge granted mercy to a man who set fire to a Salt Lake City police car during the 2020 riots in downtown. 

2 years ago

Rioters flipped and set a Salt Lake City Police car on fire during the riot in Downtown on May 30, ...

Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

SLC Police Chief Reflects On Downtown Riot Nearly One Year Later

Protests and riots broke out around the country a year ago following the death of George Floyd. That unrest later spread to Salt Lake City where a police car was flipped and lit on fire. Police Chief Mike Brown sat down with KSL-TV nearly a year later to reflect back on the day that changed the city and his department. 

3 years ago

Body camera footage obtained exclusively by KSL TV shows the moment a protester threw a rock at a S...

Alex Cabrero

Remembering A Summer Filled With Protests In Utah

In a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, a presidential election, and even a serious earthquake, one of the biggest stories here in Utah is what happened on a Saturday afternoon in May. A protest in downtown Salt Lake City turned violent, leaving us with images many never thought we'd see here.

3 years ago

Protesters and police officers line a street in downtown Salt Lake City Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Sh...

Matthew Jacobson, KSL TV

SLCPD Officer Who Pushed Elderly Man During Protest Will Not Be Charged

At the request of the victim, no criminal charges will be filed against an officer who was captured on video pushing an elderly man to the ground during a protest in Salt Lake City.

3 years ago

...

Tania Dean, KSL TV

Protestors March To State Capitol Armed With Guns

A group of protestors marched to the Capitol to rally against police brutality and in favor of equality, but the difference in Sunday's rally was that most of the protestors were armed with semi-automatic weapons.

4 years ago

FILE: Salt Lake City County Building (Getty Images)...

Matt Rascon, KSL TV

SLC’s Commission On Racial Equity Holds First Weekly Meeting

Salt Lake City's newly-formed commission on racial equity met for the first time Wednesday.

4 years ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Man Who Defended 7-Eleven From Looters Speaks With KSL