Salt Lake City, UT — A recent incident involving a Salt Lake City police officer’s firearm malfunction has sparked concerns regarding the safety protocols and firearm readiness within local police departments. Officer Clifton Payton’s gun failed to discharge during an encounter with a severely mentally ill man, raising critical questions about firearm safety and preparedness. The incident occurred while Officer Payton was inside his police SUV, alongside a woman on a ride-along, attempting to run a vehicle identification check on an individual he had pulled over. According to body camera footage, Payton attempted to fire his weapon but was met…
