Salt Lake City, Utah – Tensions erupted during the “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday evening when a man, believed to be part of a peacekeeping team, shot at a rifle-wielding individual, injuring the gunman and tragically killing a bystander in the crowd.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Arturo Gamboa, 24, who was arrested on Saturday evening and charged with murder. The bystander killed in the incident, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, died from his injuries at a local hospital, according to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd.
The Incident
The incident occurred during a “No Kings” rally in downtown Salt Lake City, where Gamboa was allegedly seen pulling out a rifle and moving behind a wall before brandishing it toward the protesters.
Peacekeepers, dressed in brightly colored vests, confronted Gamboa with their handguns drawn. According to Chief Redd, Gamboa raised his rifle and ran toward the crowd, prompting one of the peacekeepers to open fire, shooting three rounds from a handgun.
The gunshots hit Gamboa and Ah Loo. Gamboa, who had no known criminal history, was treated for his injuries before being taken into custody. Ah Loo, however, succumbed to his wounds.
Witnesses reported chaos as hundreds of protesters scattered, some fleeing into nearby businesses and parking garages. A video posted on social media captured the moment of panic, with one individual heard shouting, “That’s a gun. Come on, come on, get out.”
The “No Kings” Protests Nationwide
The “No Kings” protests were part of a broader movement sweeping across the country on Saturday, with millions of demonstrators rallying against what they view as President Donald Trump’s authoritarian leadership.
While most protests were peaceful, some incidents turned violent, including an SUV plowing into protesters in Riverside, California. A woman was seriously injured, and the driver sped away from the scene. Authorities are still searching for the driver.
In Arizona, a protest turned confrontational when a man, who was initially jeered at by protesters, pulled out a handgun, causing the crowd to scatter. Video footage showed the man being taken into custody by Arizona Department of Public Safety officers.
Investigation and Peacekeeper Involvement
The investigation into the Salt Lake City shooting is ongoing. Police are looking into the actions of the peacekeepers who were present during the protest. According to Chief Redd, the peacekeepers confronted Gamboa and played a role in the escalation of the incident. It remains unclear who organized the peacekeeping team, whether they were volunteers, and what training they had received before the event.
The Utah chapter of the 50501 Movement, which helped organize the protest, condemned the actions of Gamboa and expressed gratitude to first responders and their own safety team for their quick response to the situation. However, the chapter did not respond to questions about the peacekeepers’ involvement or their background.
Evidence Collected
At the scene, police recovered several items, including an AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack. It remains unclear why Gamboa pulled out the rifle or why he fled from the peacekeepers.
The incident has sparked significant concern about the role of peacekeepers in protests and the potential for escalation in already tense situations. Authorities continue to investigate the events leading up to the shooting and whether proper protocols were followed.