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SALT LAKE CITY — The man who left a package containing an unloaded semi-automatic rifle at the state Capitol — causing a full evacuation Thursday — has stepped forward to police, claiming he did not mean to cause alarm.
His actions, he said, were meant to protest gun violence.
The legal name of the 31-year-old man from Logan is Cameron Carl Crimefighter, police reported Friday morning. Crimefighter changed his surname from Crebar in 2009 while he was living in Oregon.
State Bureau of Investigation Maj. Brian Redd said Crimefighter called police after media reported the Capitol's evacuation, and investigators traveled to Cache County to interview him Thursday night.
"He has indicated that he is promoting anti-gun violence," Redd said. "He's concerned with recent victims and shootings that have occurred. … According to his statements, he wasn't trying to target anybody or cause alarm."
Attorney General Sean Reyes released a statement Friday, saying he's "relieved no one was injured."
Security measures at the Capitol have increased in recent years, Reyes said.
"I think we always need to be asking, 'What more might we be able to do?' Security for Capitol visitors and employees is a top priority," he said, "and I greatly appreciate our Capitol security forces, including K-9 units, that help protect us in this very public setting."
Gov. Gary Herbert's office declined to comment on the situation Friday.
Crimefighter was not arrested, but Redd said police are evaluating potential criminal charges.
"Law enforcement never wants to restrict people from protest, but it has to be done in a way that does not cause alarm," Redd said. "We're reviewing all statutes, so we don't know right now exactly what may or may not apply. It's a balancing act that we face in law enforcement as we look into these types of situations."
Crimefighter placed the gun on the ground in the center of the Capitol's rotunda and appeared to offer a prayer while kneeling by the package a little before 3:30 p.m. Thursday. A control room operator spotted him on surveillance video, and on-site troopers responded within 40 seconds, Redd said.
He has indicated that he is promoting anti-gun violence. He's concerned with recent victims and shootings that have occurred ... According to his statements, he wasn't trying to target anybody or cause alarm.
–State Bureau of Investigation Maj. Brian Redd
However, Crimefighter had already left the building when the troopers arrived.
Multiple Salt Lake City bomb units were called to the Capitol to examine the package, which was covered in paper, resembled a small casket with its trapezoid shape, and had a wreath placed in the middle of it, police said.
The Capitol, filled to typical work capacity for a weekday afternoon, was evacuated shortly afterward. The building remained closed Thursday night while police continued to inspect it.
The governor was not there when the package was left.
Bomb squads, which included robots and K–9 units, scoured the scene looking for other suspicious signs. Nearby office buildings for members of the Utah Senate and House of Representatives were not evacuated.
Police reported that there was also writing on the gun's package. Redd declined to elaborate on the writing other than saying it contained Crimefighter's name and indicated a political statement against gun violence.
"We're currently reviewing the evidence and the statements he made last night," Redd said. "(Investigators) are evaluating whether his stated intentions are exactly what his intentions really were."
The state Capitol is an open-carry building. Redd said officials are reviewing security camera footage to evaluate security measures.
"Anytime there's an incident there, they look at the incident to see if things can be improved," he said.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to call the Department of Public Safety at 801-887-3800.
Contributing: Geoff Liesik, Nkoyo Iyamba
