Salt Lake City, Utah — A shooting during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday has left one man dead and another in custody facing murder charges. The incident involved a confrontation between a participant, later identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, and a member of a peacekeeping team who intervened when Gamboa reportedly brandished a rifle.
Authorities announced Sunday that Gamboa was arrested on a murder charge after allegedly running from the peacekeepers while holding the weapon. In the chaos, Gamboa was struck by gunfire, and 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a bystander and fashion designer, was fatally injured. Ah Loo succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Police Chief Brian Redd stated that investigators are still trying to determine the motivation behind Gamboa’s actions which led to the dangerous escalation. The peacekeeper involved, who wore a neon green vest, discharged a handgun in an attempt to neutralize Gamboa, though he was unable to prevent the tragic outcome. The identity of the peacekeeper has not been disclosed, and authorities are examining their role in the situation as part of the ongoing investigation.
In the aftermath, apprehension rippled through the crowd of demonstrators, prompting many to flee for safety as the gunfire erupted. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of panic, with protesters seeking refuge behind barriers and hiding in nearby businesses.
Ah Loo, affectionately known as Afa, was a celebrated figure in the local fashion community and a father of two. Friends and family remember him for his dedication to celebrating his Samoan heritage through art and culture. He founded Creative Pacific, an event showcasing Pacific Island diversity, and was a contestant on Season 17 of the reality show “Project Runway.” A GoFundMe campaign set up in his honor reflects the outpouring of grief and support from the community, highlighting the impact of his loss.
Sarah Parker, national coordinator for the 50501 Movement, which organized the protest, emphasized the importance of safety at such events. Although they encourage peacekeepers to refrain from carrying weapons, Parker noted that the team’s interventions helped avert what could have been a much worse catastrophe.
This protest was part of a larger movement across the country, with millions demanding accountability and expressing concerns over perceived authoritarianism related to the previous administration. Most of the gatherings proceeded without major incidents, aside from isolated confrontations that occurred in various cities.
In Riverside, California, a driver of an SUV struck a protester, leaving her with severe injuries. Meanwhile, in Arizona, a skirmish involving a masked man armed with a handgun prompted swift intervention from law enforcement.
As Salt Lake City detectives continue to investigate the shooting, they recovered key evidence from the scene, including an AR-15 style rifle and other items. Gamboa, who reportedly has no prior criminal history, remains in custody as investigators piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident.