SALT LAKE CITY— A peaceful evening march turned tragic when gunfire erupted near 151 S. State St. just before 8 p.m. during a “No Kings” protest opposing President Trump’s military parade and immigration policies. What began as a peaceful gathering of about 10,000 people ended in chaos and heartbreak.
Police say Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39‑year‑old fashion designer from Samoa and former “Project Runway” contestant, was an innocent bystander shot and killed during the confrontation.
The violence began when Arturo Gamboa, 24, separated from the crowd, retrieved an AR‑15‑style rifle from his backpack, and ran toward marchers. Volunteer peacekeepers, wearing neon vests, confronted Gamboa; one drew a handgun and fired three shots, hitting both Gamboa and Ah Loo.
Gamboa was arrested and charged with murder; police say his wound was minor. The peacekeeper who fired remains under investigation but has not been arrested.
Witnesses captured the moment protesters scattered in fear. One man, Sam Hernandez, said he bravely removed Gamboa’s rifle backpack and helped officers identify him.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall and police chief Brian Redd pledged transparency and reassured residents there is no ongoing threat. They emphasized the tragedy does not represent Salt Lake City’s spirit.
This incident marks one of several isolated violent outbreaks during “No Kings” protests held nationwide to voice opposition to authoritarianism and show solidarity across communities.
Why This Matters
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Volunteer peacekeepers were armed despite organizers discouraging weapons, raising questions about protest safety protocols.
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A bystander lost his life, highlighting how quickly a peaceful gathering can spiral into tragedy.
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Investigations remain ongoing into what led Gamboa to brandish a rifle—and why the peacekeeper responded with lethal force.
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