A “Project X” party in Clearfield went horribly wrong last weekend when gunfire erupted at a teen’s house. Project X is a movie that was released at the beginning of the month about a teen who throws a wild party when his parents leave town in order to become popular. In the movie, the party goes horribly out of control with unexpected crowds and an out-of-control drug dealer that torches half of the neighborhood.
It appears that a 16-year-old Clearfield girl wanted to copy the party in the Project X movie while her parents were out of town for the weekend. Unfortunately she succeeded in recreating the movie’s chaotic party. Several people may face aggravated assault or attempted homicide charges as a result of this party.
“These kids are trying to mimic these movies,” a Clearfield police spokesman said. “It works in Hollywood ‘so let us try.’ You see the outcome and it’s horrible.”
Authorities say that the 16-year-old host told friends to spread the word about the Project X party but did not expect that over 100 people would show up. People from neighboring towns and counties arrived, including a few adults.
Among the guests at the party were members of a gang. Chaos erupted at the party when rival gang members decided to show up and open fire on the crowd. Four people including the party host were shot, but none of the shooting victims had gang affiliations.
The party host was shot in the foot, one 19-year-old was shot in the throat, another 19-year-old was shot in the head, and a 21-year-old was shot in the back. It is unclear if anyone has been arrested in connection with the shooting or whether the party host will face any charges.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune, “Police said Utah teen tried to host ‘Project X’ party that ended in shooting,” Janelle Stecklein, Mar. 20, 2012