A “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City turned deadly when a volunteer peacekeeper shot an armed suspect, but tragically struck and killed a bystander. Police say 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa brandished an AR-15-style rifle near the crowd before being confronted. The peacekeeper fired three shots, hitting Gamboa—who survived—and 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a local fashion designer and father of two. Ah Loo later died at the hospital.
Authorities emphasize Ah Loo was not the intended target. “Our victim was not the intended target,” Chief Brian Redd confirmed, adding the incident occurred amid chaos as protesters fled.
Approximately 10,000 people attended the protest, part of a broader nationwide movement. The confrontation sparked panic, with marchers scattering into nearby buildings for safety.
Gamboa faces murder charges and remains jailed. The peacekeeper’s identity has been withheld pending investigation, and he is cooperating with authorities.
This incident underscores the escalating dangers at politically charged rallies and raises questions about armed security protocols at protests. It also marks another serious act of violence tied to the broader “No Kings” demonstrations happening across the country.
