A man believed to be part of a peacekeeping team during the "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City shot at a person who was brandishing a rifle at demonstrators, resulting in the death of a bystander, authorities reported on Sunday. The incident occurred on June 14, 2025, as tensions escalated during the protest organized against President Donald Trump's perceived authoritarian tendencies.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed that Arturo Gamboa, 24, was taken into custody on a murder charge following the shooting. The bystander, identified as Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, a fashion designer of Samoan heritage, was injured during the altercation and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital.
Details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear. Detectives reported that Gamboa's actions of brandishing a rifle and separating from the crowd contributed to the tense situation. As Gamboa allegedly withdrew a rifle at around 8 p.m., two individuals dressed in neon green vests, who were part of the peacekeeping effort, confronted him. When Gamboa raised his rifle and advanced towards the crowd, one of the peacekeepers fired three shots from a handgun, hitting both Gamboa and Ah Loo.
The response team, part of the 50501 Movement that had partnered in organizing the protest, is typically composed of volunteers who aim to ensure safety at events. Sarah Parker, a national coordinator for the movement, emphasized that attendees are advised against bringing weapons. However, she acknowledged that the peacekeepers acted to prevent what could have been a larger mass casualty event, commending their efforts amidst the chaos of the situation.
Ah Loo, affectionately known as Afa, was remembered as a loving husband and father of two children. He was a pioneer in celebrating Samoan culture through fashion, having founded Creative Pacific, an event showcasing Pacific Island diversity through workshops and a fashion runway. Ah Loo was also known for his appearance on Season 17 of the reality TV show "Project Runway." A GoFundMe page established to support his family has highlighted his contributions to both the fashion industry and his community.
The gunfire during the protest prompted panic among the gathered crowd, resulting in thousands of attendees fleeing in various directions. Reports indicated that many protesters sought refuge behind barriers or hurried into nearby businesses as chaos unfolded. Video footage shared on social media depicted alarming moments when a voice could be heard urging people to escape, indicating the presence of a firearm.
While the main focus of the investigation remains on Gamboa’s motivations for brandishing the rifle, police are also evaluating the actions of the peacekeepers involved in the shooting incident. Authorities recovered an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene, which will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
In related occurrences amid the nationwide "No Kings" protests, reports from California and Arizona indicated isolated incidents of violence and confrontation. In Riverside, a woman participating in a demonstration was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, while in Arizona, tense moments were captured on video involving a masked individual who drew a handgun, prompting crowd dispersal.
The events of June 14, 2025, in Salt Lake City highlight the complex and often volatile nature of protests, particularly in an environment where tensions regarding political leadership and social justice issues manifest in public demonstrations.
