The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is currently investigating the involvement of two self-described peacekeepers following a tragic shooting incident at a protest on Saturday that resulted in one death and another injury. This incident has raised significant concerns about the presence of unauthorized security personnel at public demonstrations.
During the protest, which was part of the nationwide No Kings Day events, approximately 10,000 individuals gathered at Pioneer Park. The situation escalated around 8 p.m. when two men, wearing yellow high-visibility vests and identified as peacekeepers, confronted 24-year-old Arturo Roberto Gamboa. Witnesses reported that Gamboa was seen allegedly brandishing a rifle near 151 S. State Street. According to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, Gamboa raised the weapon in a threatening manner and began advancing towards the crowd.
In response, one of the peacekeepers discharged his firearm, hitting both Gamboa and an innocent bystander, Arthur Folasa Afa Ah Loo, aged 39. Tragically, Ah Loo succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Gamboa was wounded and subsequently taken into custody.
The investigation is now focused on the roles of the two men who acted as peacekeepers during the protest. Both individuals have been questioned and released; however, the police are trying to ascertain whether they were appointed by the event organizers, volunteered, or acted independently. Notably, neither of the men has any current or former law enforcement experience, as confirmed by the SLCPD.
The protest was organized by 50501, a grassroots political group known for its nationwide rallies and protests. Importantly, police records show there was no official permit indicating the presence of organized or armed security for this event. Investigators are actively working to determine the total number of peacekeepers present during the protest.
The shooting incident drew a prompt response from state leaders. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the act of violence as "deeply troubling" and emphasized that such actions have no place in public spaces. Following discussions with Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Cox expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "My heart is broken for everyone impacted tonight."
While Utah law permits firearm possession and use under specific conditions, the legality of the peacekeeper's actions will depend on the particulars of the case. The SLCPD's homicide detectives are collaborating with the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office to assess whether the use of deadly force was justified under state law.
After the shooting, Gamboa was found hiding among a small group of people, dressed in black clothing and a mask, and in possession of an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack. He has been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of murder, although police have clarified that he did not fire any shots during the incident.
The protest in Salt Lake City was part of a larger series of nationwide No Kings Day demonstrations, which reportedly engaged over 5 million participants across the United States. These protests were organized as a counter-response to the Trump administration and a military parade held in Washington, D.C.
The investigation remains active, with SLCPD homicide detectives continuing to work closely with the district attorney's office. Authorities have requested that anyone who has photos or videos of the incident upload them to the department's evidence portal to aid in the ongoing investigation.
