Tragic Shooting Impacts Salt Lake City 'No Kings' Protest
Saturday's "No Kings" demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City, which drew around 10,000 participants, was overshadowed by a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. Police have confirmed Ah Loo was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire during an escalating standoff involving armed individuals present at the protest.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Shooting
As the peaceful march neared its conclusion around 7:56 p.m., witnesses reported gunshots near 151 S. State Street. Officers quickly arrived on scene and found Ah Loo critically wounded. Emergency responders performed life-saving efforts before transporting him to a hospital where he later died. Police then apprehended 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who sustained a minor gunshot wound himself.
Authorities revealed that Gamboa was discovered hiding among protesters with an AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, black clothing, and a backpack. Two other men, identified as part of the event's so-called "peacekeeping team," who wore neon green vests and carried handguns, were also detained for questioning.
Peacekeepers' Encounter with Gamboa
According to preliminary investigations, these peacekeepers saw Gamboa maneuver away from the crowd behind a wall, where he pulled out and began handling his rifle. When confronted, Gamboa raised the weapon in a firing stance and ran toward the crowd. One peacekeeper fired three shots in response, hitting both Gamboa and Ah Loo. Gamboa did not fire any shots during the incident.
Arrest and Charges Against Gamboa
Gamboa was arrested on suspicion of murder, despite not discharging his weapon. Police charged him based on evidence suggesting he acted with a reckless disregard for human life, creating a deadly risk that led to Ah Loo's death. As of Sunday, Gamboa remained in custody without bail, awaiting formal charges from prosecutors.
Eyewitness Account: Instincts in a Moment of Crisis
Protester Sam Hernandez recounted his encounter with Gamboa before the shooting. Hernandez noticed the man carrying a rifle concealed in his backpack and, fearing for others' safety, took the bag from him. Video footage captures Hernandez alerting police with urgency, identifying Gamboa as the man with the weapon.
"I wasn’t thinking of my life at all," Hernandez said, describing his instinct to act quickly to protect the crowd, including his wife and friend who attended the protest with him.
Community and Leadership Respond
Many attendees remember the event as peaceful until violence erupted. March participant Leah Pittman described the scene moments before the shooting as "very unified" and expressed deep concern over how gun violence has become an unfortunate norm in the country.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the act, emphasizing that such violence has no place in public discourse and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure accountability. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall urged calm and compassion, underscoring the protest's purpose and refusing to let this tragic event overshadow the message of peace.
Investigation Ongoing
Police continue to investigate, including the actions of the self-appointed "peacekeepers," who are not law enforcement. Authorities confirmed cooperation from these individuals and have not yet determined whether they will face any charges.
Reflecting on a Day Marked by Tragedy
The shooting at the "No Kings" protest underscores the volatility that can arise even during peaceful demonstrations. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo’s death has left the city mourning, while also raising questions about security and the presence of armed participants at public protests.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, calls for unity, safety, and peaceful dialogue resonate louder than ever.
