A protest in Salt Lake City turned deadly when a man was shot and killed during a tense moment at the “No Kings” rally on Saturday. Police said the victim, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, was caught in the crossfire between a peacekeeper and a man carrying a rifle.
Authorities stated that 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa brought a rifle to the protest and was acting suspiciously. When peacekeepers saw him move behind a wall and take out the weapon, they confronted him. One of the peacekeepers, wearing a neon green vest, fired three times. The bullets struck both Gamboa and Ah Loo, a bystander.
Gamboa survived with minor injuries and was later arrested. He faces a murder charge because police say his actions created the threat that led to Ah Loo’s death. Officials have not released the name of the peacekeeper who fired the shots. Police are also investigating whether the peacekeeper acted within the law.
Ah Loo, also known as Afa, was a respected fashion designer and father of two. He was originally from Samoa and appeared on Season 17 of “Project Runway.” He also founded Creative Pacific, an event that celebrated Pacific Islander culture with fashion shows, art, and workshops. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his wife and children.
The protest was part of a national movement held under the name “No Kings,” organized in response to growing fears of authoritarianism. Demonstrators across the country gathered to express concern about political leadership and support democracy.
During the rally in Salt Lake City, the shooting caused panic. Hundreds of people fled, with some hiding behind walls and running into nearby buildings. Videos on social media show the chaos. In one video, someone can be heard yelling, “That’s a gun. Come on, come on, get out.”
Sarah Parker, a national coordinator for the group that helped organize the event, said volunteer peacekeepers are a common safety measure at protests. However, the group advises all participants, including peacekeepers, not to bring weapons. She said despite the tragic loss, the team may have stopped a larger disaster.
“Our safety team did the best they could in a very scary and sad situation,” Parker said.
Police said Gamboa did not have a criminal record before this event. They found an AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene. The items are now part of the ongoing investigation.
Witnesses said Gamboa raised the rifle and began to move toward the crowd before he was shot. Officers confirmed that two peacekeepers saw him separate from the crowd and tried to stop him before he could open fire.
The violence in Salt Lake City was not the only incident linked to the national protest. In Riverside, California, a woman was hit by a car while protesting. The driver fled the scene, and police are still searching for the suspect. The woman’s injuries are serious but not life-threatening.
In Arizona, protesters clashed with a masked man outside the statehouse. When tensions rose, the man pulled a gun, and the crowd scattered. State police officers arrested him shortly after.
Back in Utah, police are continuing to question witnesses and review videos to understand what happened. They are looking into all aspects of the shooting, including the peacekeeper’s decision to fire.
This deadly moment has sparked new debates about safety at protests, the use of firearms, and the role of volunteer peacekeepers.
