Salt Lake City, UT — A peaceful protest in downtown Salt Lake City turned tragic Saturday night when a 39-year-old man, identified as Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, was fatally shot amid chaos near the demonstration site.
The incident occurred during the “No Kings” protest, which drew an estimated crowd of 10,000 participants near 151 S. State Street. Salt Lake City Police confirmed Ah Loo’s death on Sunday, stating that despite immediate efforts by SWAT medics and Salt Lake City Fire personnel, he died at a nearby hospital from his injuries.
Authorities say Ah Loo was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire when a confrontation erupted between an armed individual and members of a volunteer peacekeeping team.
At a Sunday press briefing, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd described the scene as “chaotic and fast-moving,” noting that the investigation remains active.
According to police, 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa separated from the crowd and was seen behind a wall manipulating what appeared to be a rifle. He was approached by two men in high-visibility vests believed to be affiliated with the protest’s peacekeeping team.
Witnesses reported that Gamboa began moving toward the crowd in a threatening manner. One of the peacekeepers responded by firing three rounds, striking both Gamboa and Ah Loo. Gamboa sustained a minor injury and was subdued at the scene.
In the aftermath, a bystander managed to secure Gamboa’s backpack, which authorities say contained an AR-15 style rifle and a gas mask—potentially preventing further harm. Gamboa was later booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on suspicion of murder. Jail records confirm he is being held without bail. Police noted that Gamboa has no prior criminal history and investigators are still working to determine a motive.
The individual who fired the fatal shot is cooperating fully with investigators, and as of Sunday, no charges have been filed.
Chief Redd commended the protestors who aided law enforcement during the chaos, stating, “The crowd actually pointed him out to law enforcement. Their actions were heroic.”
The demonstration was organized by Utah 50501, a civic engagement and social justice group. In a statement posted to Facebook, the organization expressed heartbreak over the shooting and praised the swift actions of volunteers during the incident.
“Our teams just had to deal with something extremely traumatizing,” the statement read, urging the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.
The group is now coordinating a vigil in memory of Arthur Ah Loo, described by friends and family as kind, compassionate, and deeply involved in his community. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through Salt Lake City, casting a pall over what had been a peaceful and unified protest.
“This was a horrific moment of violence on a historic day when thousands of Utahns exercised their right to protest,” the group said. “Nothing will ever change the undeniable strength of our community.”
Police are asking anyone with video footage or additional information to contact Salt Lake City Police as the investigation moves forward.