In downtown Salt Lake City on the afternoon of October 5, 2024, a verbal dispute between two men escalated into a fatal encounter for 30-year-old Gage Barrows, a Caucasian male. The incident unfolded near 200 S. State Street, where an argument broke out between Barrows and another individual.
According to police reports and witness accounts, the confrontation grew heated. Surveillance footage from the area reportedly shows the two men in an agitated state, seemingly arguing.
At some point during the altercation, the other man, identified as 49-year-old Farshad Baesmat Hassan-Pouri, allegedly drew a firearm and began shooting at Barrows. Barrows, who was attempting to distance himself and walk away, was struck by the initial gunfire. He then tried to flee, but Hassan-Pouri is said to have pursued him.
After being shot, Barrows collapsed to the ground. Hassan-Pouri then allegedly stood over him and fired multiple additional shots. An autopsy would later reveal that Barrows had been shot eight times. Police were called to the scene around 12:20 p.m. and found Barrows, who died from his injuries at the location. Witnesses at the scene were able to provide police with a description of the suspect.
Shortly after the shooting, Salt Lake City police located and arrested Farshad Baesmat Hassan-Pouri. During questioning, Hassan-Pouri reportedly admitted to shooting Barrows, stating that Barrows had been 'trash talking' and that he became very angry. Hassan-Pouri has since been charged with murder, three counts of firing a gun causing serious injury, four counts of firing a gun causing injury, and seven counts of illegally firing a gun.
