Lawmen arrested and charged 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa with one count of aggravated murder about a fatal shooting that occurred during the “No Kings” protest on June 14 in downtown Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City Police Department reports that Gamboa shot three rounds from an AR-15-style weapon into the crowd before he ran away.
Arturo Gamboa, attired in all black and sporting a black face mask, was said to have separated from the rest of the protesters before firing. One of the rounds tragically killed 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was a resident of Utah and whom police believe was an “innocent bystander.” Gamboa was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on one count of murder. The motive for the attack is still being investigated.
Information Regarding the Protest and Shooting
The shooting took place at approximately 7:56 PM at 151 S. State Street, during a massive protest that attracted close to 10,000 protesters. The march started at Pioneer Park and proceeded to the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building as part of the “No Kings” movement.
Reportedly, protest security noted that Gamboa broke off from the group and was seen preparing what seemed to be a gun behind a wall. A little later, he came out and fired three shots, putting the crowd into a state of panic.
Peacekeepers Detained, Victim Caught in Crossfire
The police took two more people in high-visibility vests into custody, who are suspected members of the peacekeeping crew of the march. Testimonies indicate that there was an altercation between Gamboa and these peacekeepers shortly before the firing of shots.
Initial reports have suggested that Arthur Folasa Ah Loo was not present during the confrontation and was caught up in the crossfire tragically. There were reports of confusion and panic from witnesses, who said they heard gunshots, causing thousands to flee for cover.
The authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led up to the shooting, including the precise roles of those being held.