Salt Lake City Shooting: Bystander Killed During Protest
- A "No Kings" demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City turned deadly Saturday when a bystander was shot and killed, police said.Arthur Folasa Ah loo, 39, of utah, died...
- Detectives believe Ah Loo was an innocent bystander and "was not the intended target of the gunfire." Police have arrested Arturo Gamboa,24,on a murder charge.
- Two men, identified as part of the event's "peacekeeping team," were also detained.
A “no Kings” protest in Salt Lake City became the scene of a deadly shooting, claiming the life of 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. Police have arrested Arturo Gamboa,24,on a murder charge,though it’s believed Ah Loo was an unintended victim. Reports indicate the shooting occurred during a downtown presentation, leaving officers to investigate both Gamboa’s actions and those of the event’s “peacekeepers.” The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the local community, with authorities working to piece together the full sequence of events. News Directory 3 is closely following developments. The investigation examines the role and actions of the ”peacekeeping team” during the demonstration, and if any charges will be filed. Discover what’s next …
Salt Lake City Shooting: Bystander Killed at “No Kings” Protest
Updated June 16, 2025
A “No Kings” demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City turned deadly Saturday when a bystander was shot and killed, police said.Arthur Folasa Ah loo, 39, of utah, died at a local hospital after the incident, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Detectives believe Ah Loo was an innocent bystander and “was not the intended target of the gunfire.” Police have arrested Arturo Gamboa,24,on a murder charge. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. It was not immediately known if gamboa has legal representation.
Two men, identified as part of the event’s “peacekeeping team,” were also detained. According to police,one of these “peacekeepers” fired the shot that fatally wounded Ah Loo. It remains unclear whether they will face charges as the examination into the Salt Lake City shooting continues.
The “peacekeepers” told police that Gamboa moved away from the crowd and began manipulating an AR-15-style rifle. They drew their weapons and ordered him to drop his weapon, police said.
Instead, Gamboa allegedly ran into the crowd while holding the rifle in “a firing position.” One of the “peacekeepers” then fired three shots, striking both Gamboa and Ah Loo, according to police reports.
Authorities are investigating the actions of the “peacekeepers,” who are not law enforcement officials. The motive behind Gamboa’s actions remains unknown.
Although Gamboa did not fire the fatal shot, he faces a murder charge. Detectives “developed probable cause that Gamboa acted under circumstances that showed a depraved indifference to human life, knowingly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of death and ultimately caused the death of an innocent community member,” police said.
The Utah Office of the Medical examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death for Ah Loo.
A Salt Lake city Police Department motor squad detective reported hearing gunshots at 7:56 p.m. Saturday. Officers found Ah Loo injured while working to secure the scene and determine the source of the gunfire.They attempted to provide aid before transporting him to the hospital by ambulance.
Minutes later, police located Gamboa, who was crouching among a group of people with a gunshot wound. An AR-15-style weapon was found nearby, police said. Officers also located a gas mask,black clothing,and a backpack.
The “peacekeepers” were identified by their high-visibility neon green vests and handguns.
The “No Kings” event was one of several held across the country Saturday, coinciding with counter-protests to President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington. It also followed days of immigration raids and related protests in Los Angeles and other cities.
What’s next
The investigation into the Salt Lake City shooting is ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they piece together the events leading to Ah Loo’s death and Gamboa’s arrest.