Arturo Gamboa is a 24-year-old man who became widely known after a deadly shooting incident at the “No Kings” rally protest in Salt Lake City. The event turned tragic when Gamboa brought an AR-15-style rifle to the protest and acted in a way that led to the death of a bystander, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, also known as Afa. Gamboa’s actions and the consequences that followed have sparked discussions on protest safety, the presence of firearms, and the role of volunteer peacekeepers at demonstrations.
Authorities reported that during the protest, Arturo Gamboa behaved suspiciously. He moved behind a wall and took out his rifle, which caught the attention of volunteer peacekeepers who were monitoring the event to maintain safety. These peacekeepers are usually present at protests to help prevent violence and de-escalate tensions, but they are advised not to carry weapons themselves. When they saw Gamboa’s actions, one of the peacekeepers, identifiable by a neon green vest, confronted him and fired three shots. These bullets struck both Gamboa and Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a bystander who was caught in the crossfire. Ah Loo was fatally wounded, while Gamboa survived with minor injuries.
After the shooting, Arturo Gamboa was arrested and charged with murder. Police have stated that his actions—bringing a rifle to the protest and behaving in a threatening manner—created the dangerous situation that resulted in Ah Loo’s death. Gamboa’s background before the incident was clean, with no criminal record, which has added complexity to the case as authorities continue their investigation.
At the scene, investigators recovered an AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack belonging to Gamboa. These items are being studied as part of the ongoing inquiry into the events that led to the shooting. Witnesses at the rally reported seeing Gamboa raise the rifle and move toward the crowd before the peacekeepers intervened. This moment caused panic among attendees, with hundreds fleeing and seeking shelter behind walls and inside nearby buildings. Videos circulated on social media showing the chaos and fear that unfolded during those critical moments.
The protest where this incident happened was part of a larger national movement called “No Kings.” This movement aimed to raise awareness about fears of authoritarianism and to promote democracy through peaceful demonstrations across the country. However, the violence that occurred in Salt Lake City has brought attention to the risks involved when weapons appear at protests, even those intended to be peaceful.
Volunteer peacekeepers at the event said they did their best under difficult and dangerous circumstances. According to Sarah Parker, a national coordinator for the group that helped organize the protest, peacekeepers are common at such events to help keep order and prevent violence. The group strongly advises against carrying weapons to protests, but in this case, the presence of the rifle posed a serious threat that led to the tragic outcome.
The death of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a respected fashion designer and father of two, has deeply affected the community. Ah Loo was originally from Samoa and gained recognition through his appearance on Season 17 of “Project Runway.” He also founded Creative Pacific, an event that celebrated Pacific Islander culture with fashion shows, art exhibitions, and workshops. To support his surviving family, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help his wife and children during this difficult time.
This incident is part of a series of violent or dangerous events connected to the “No Kings” protests across the United States. In Riverside, California, a woman was struck by a car while protesting and seriously injured, while in Arizona, protesters clashed with a masked man who pulled a gun outside the statehouse. These incidents highlight the challenges of maintaining safety and peace during politically charged demonstrations.
In Salt Lake City, police continue to investigate the shooting involving Arturo Gamboa and the peacekeeper who fired the shots. They are reviewing videos and interviewing witnesses to better understand the decisions made during the incident. The investigation includes whether the peacekeeper acted within the bounds of the law when using deadly force. The case remains open as authorities work to piece together the full story behind the tragedy at the protest.
The events involving Arturo Gamboa have reopened important debates about firearms at protests and the responsibilities of those who volunteer to keep peace. The incident has also emphasized the dangers that can arise even at gatherings intended to promote democracy and social justice. As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see how justice will be served in the aftermath of this deadly moment in Salt Lake City.