Utah ‘No Kings’ Protest: What We Know About The Fatal Shooting

 

Newly surfaced video is complicating the investigation into a deadly shooting at a “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City, raising questions about the actions of both the armed suspect and the armed volunteer who fired the fatal shots.

The Incident

Arturo Gamboa was arrested on suspicion of murder after police said he pulled an AR-15-style rifle from his backpack at a protest and was subsequently shot at by a volunteer “peacekeeper.” One of the bullets struck and killed Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer and father of two who was attending the protest.

The protest, which drew about 18,000 participants, was one of many nationwide opposing the Trump administration. It was organized by Utah 50501, a local chapter of a larger anti-authoritarian movement.

What the New Video Shows

Initial accounts from police and witnesses claimed Gamboa brandished his weapon and ran toward the crowd, prompting the peacekeeper to open fire. But new video footage reported by KSTU appears to tell a different story.

The footage shows Gamboa walking with the rifle pointed downward and only running after shots were fired. He is then seen ducking behind a fence, which the armed volunteer had earlier cited as suspicious behavior.

The newly released video has cast doubt on earlier claims that Gamboa posed an imminent threat when the shots were fired. The rifle is not clearly visible in the footage, but police have said Gamboa retrieved it from a backpack.

Legal Developments

Gamboa was initially booked on suspicion of murder but released Friday under court-ordered conditions. He must live with his father, forfeit his passport, and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office stated that it had not yet reviewed all the evidence and therefore could not make a decision on formal charges before Gamboa’s release. Detectives continue to examine footage and conduct interviews.

As of now, no charges have been filed against the peacekeeper who fired the fatal shots, and police are still investigating whether his use of force was justified.

Questions of Responsibility

Police maintain that Gamboa’s actions showed a “depraved indifference to human life” and argue that his conduct set off the deadly chain of events. However, Gamboa’s attorney and supporters say he never threatened anyone and are calling into question the legality and training of the peacekeepers who responded.

A longtime friend of Gamboa, Konrad Keele, described him as peaceful and nonviolent, saying, “Anyone that knows Arturo loves Arturo.”

National Group Cuts Ties

Utah 50501’s national parent organization announced it had severed ties with the Salt Lake City chapter after the shooting. In a statement, the national group cited the local branch’s failure to enforce the movement’s no-weapons policy.

“Our events are expected to follow a strict no-weapons rule,” the group posted on Facebook.

A Community in Mourning

Arthur Ah Loo, known as Afa, leaves behind a wife and two young children. A respected fashion designer, he co-founded the nonprofit Creative Pacific and once competed on the TV show “Project Runway.” A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his family.

His death has shocked the community and sparked debates about protest safety, armed civilians, and law enforcement’s role in managing large-scale demonstrations.

Ongoing Investigation

The Salt Lake City Police Department is continuing its investigation and requesting video from the public to piece together exactly what happened. The department clarified that the “peacekeepers” were not trained or sanctioned by law enforcement and are being treated as private citizens in the investigation.

No timeline has been provided for when or if charges will be filed against either Gamboa or the peacekeeper who discharged his weapon.