A Utah "No Kings" protest turned deadly when a bystander was mistakenly killed by event security attempting to neutralize a potential threat.
According to Fox News, the victim, identified as 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, was shot Saturday during the massive demonstration that drew approximately 10,000 participants.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed the tragic circumstances surrounding Ah Loo's death, stating that he was "not the intended target" and was simply participating in the march when he was struck by gunfire. The fatal shot came from one of two protest peacekeepers who were responding to a man with a rifle approaching the crowd.
The incident unfolded when a 24-year-old man, identified as Arturo Gamboa, allegedly approached the demonstration carrying a rifle. Police report that Gamboa was observed pulling out the weapon and raising it to a firing position as he moved toward the crowd of protesters.
Two event peacekeepers wearing neon vests spotted Gamboa and perceived an immediate threat to the assembled demonstrators. One of the peacekeepers discharged their weapon three times, striking both Gamboa and Ah Loo in the process.
SWAT medics quickly performed life-saving measures on Ah Loo before he was transported to a local hospital. Despite these efforts, the innocent protester succumbed to his injuries later that night, marking a tragic end to what had been a largely peaceful demonstration.
Gamboa, the armed man who prompted the peacekeepers' response, was wounded in the incident but survived. Following medical treatment, he was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a murder charge despite not having fired his weapon during the confrontation.
Police recovered a rifle and gas mask from Gamboa's backpack following the shooting. The discovery of these items has raised questions about his intentions at the demonstration, though officials have not speculated on his motives.
Chief Redd noted that Gamboa has no prior criminal history, adding another layer of complexity to understanding the circumstances that led to his armed presence at the protest. Investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events and Gamboa's motivations.
The protest security member who fired the shots is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation, according to police statements. This individual was one of two peacekeepers who observed Gamboa approaching the crowd with a weapon.
The role of these peacekeepers at the demonstration has come under scrutiny following the incident. While they were apparently designated to provide security for the event, questions remain about their training, protocols, and authorization to carry firearms during a large-scale public demonstration.
Salt Lake City authorities have not released additional information about the identity of the peacekeepers or their affiliation with protest organizers. The investigation will likely examine the selection and preparation of these security personnel, given the tragic outcome.
The "No Kings" protest was one of many similar demonstrations that have occurred across the country in recent weeks. While the specific grievances of the Utah protesters weren't detailed in police statements, these events typically draw thousands of participants expressing political concerns.
Saturday's demonstration in Salt Lake City had attracted approximately 10,000 people before tragedy struck. The shooting transformed what had been a peaceful expression of political views into a scene of confusion and grief as participants witnessed the emergency response.
Ah Loo's death serves as a somber reminder of how quickly public gatherings can turn deadly, even when the victim was simply exercising their right to peaceful assembly. The 39-year-old victim was participating in the democratic process when he became an unintended casualty of a security response gone wrong.
