Shooting at Salt Lake City Protest Leaves One Dead, Suspect Arrested

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A peaceful protest turned tragic on Saturday evening when gunfire erupted during the “No Kings Day” march, resulting in the death of a protester and the arrest of a suspect.

Authorities identified the victim as 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was shot near 100 South and 200 East around 8 p.m. during the protest against President Donald Trump. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd reported that Ah Loo was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The suspect, 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, was seen separating from the crowd and pulling out a rifle. Eyewitnesses, believed to be part of a designated peacekeeping team, observed Gamboa leave the group and began to charge towards the crowd. One of the peacekeepers shot three times, hitting both Gamboa and Ah Loo.

Gamboa, who was found hiding in the crowd with a minor gunshot wound, was treated at a local hospital and later booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on suspicion of murder. Police recovered an AR-15-style rifle and a gas mask from him during the arrest.

Chief Redd confirmed that Ah Loo was not the intended target, labeling him an innocent bystander caught in the chaos. Organizers of the protest described Ah Loo as a peaceful protester and expressed condolences to his family in a statement.

Witnesses have commended the quick response of police and paramedics, with Chief Redd noting their professionalism during a chaotic situation. Investigators are working closely with the District Attorney’s Office to determine if any additional charges will be filed against Gamboa.

As of Sunday, Gamboa had not been formally charged and remains in jail without bail. Authorities continue to investigate the events leading up to the shooting.