During a recent panel discussion in Salt Lake City, two hecklers disrupted former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s speech, creating a chaotic scene. The incident occurred at the Grand America Hotel on January 16, 2026, as Sinema participated in the annual Utah Economic Outlook & Public Policy Summit alongside Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
Disruption at Utah Policy Summit
The panel, moderated by Natalie Gochnour, director of the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, was focused on various forms of disruption in politics and the economy. As Sinema humorously acknowledged her affiliation with Brigham Young University, a man in the audience stood up and claimed he was having an affair with her. This declaration caught the audience off guard.
Details of the Incident
As the first heckler was escorted out, another man repeated a similar claim, escalating the disruption. Both men were removed by the Utah Highway Patrol troopers present for the event, with assistance from Salt Lake City police. Hotel management requested that the individuals not return to the property, although they were not arrested.
Context of the Disruption
This chaotic episode occurred shortly after a lawsuit was filed against Sinema by the ex-wife of a former member of her Senate security team. The lawsuit alleged that Sinema had engaged in an affair that disrupted their marriage. Sinema, who left her position as senator last year, responded to the interruptions with humor, stating, “I promise I didn’t plan that.”
Continuation of the Discussion
Following the disruptions, the panel continued for about 30 minutes without further interruptions. Sinema discussed the importance of maintaining a core set of values in Utah and the need for tolerance among its residents. She commended Utahns for their collaborative mindset, despite the chaos that had just unfolded.
Key Takeaways
- Event Date: January 16, 2026
- Location: Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City
- Panelists: Kyrsten Sinema, Spencer Cox, Natalie Gochnour
- Notable Incident: Two men claimed to have affairs with Sinema during her speech
- Lawsuit Context: Allegations from the ex-wife of a former Senate bodyguard
Sinema concluded by emphasizing the uniqueness of Utah and encouraging residents to remain actively engaged in the political process. The disruption, while unexpected, did not overshadow the core messages of the summit.
