A protester was fatally shot and another man injured during the “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday evening, in what authorities say was an attempt to neutralise a perceived threat to the crowd.
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, died after being shot when a member of the protest's peacekeeping team opened fire on Arturo Gamboa, 24, who was allegedly brandishing a rifle, according to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd.
Today, we are providing new details about the June 14 shooting during the “No Kings” demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City.
— Salt Lake City Police Department (@slcpd) June 15, 2025
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, was shot and killed while attending the permitted event. Our detectives believe he was an innocent bystander.
Arturo Gamboa,… pic.twitter.com/xJYlv4r9Bm
Gamboa, described as a participant in the demonstration, was taken into custody and charged with murder. Authorities allege he created a “dangerous situation” that resulted in Ah Loo’s death.
Gamboa was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound before being booked into jail. Public records did not list a lawyer for Gamboa.
According to police, a man in a brightly coloured vest – believed to be part of the volunteer security detail – fired three shots with a handgun after he and another similarly dressed individual saw Gamboa move behind a wall and allegedly draw an AR-15 style rifle.
As Gamboa reportedly ran toward the crowd with the rifle raised, one of the peacekeepers fired, striking both Gamboa and Ah Loo. Police later recovered the rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene.
The shots caused panic among the crowd, with attendees seen fleeing into nearby businesses and parking garages. A video circulating on social media captured the chaos, with a voice shouting, “That’s a gun. Come on, get out.”
Organisers of the Utah chapter of the 50501 Movement, which helped coordinate the nationwide anti-authoritarian protests, condemned the violence on social media but did not respond to questions about the peacekeeping group’s background or training.
Chief Redd confirmed that the actions of the peacekeepers are part of the ongoing investigation.
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