A recent protest in Salt Lake City, known as the "No Kings" demonstration, turned tragic when a man believed to be part of a peacekeeping team opened fire on an individual brandishing a rifle. This shocking incident resulted in the injury of both the rifleman and a bystander, who later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, according to authorities.
On Saturday evening, police apprehended the alleged rifleman, identified as Arturo Gamboa, a 24-year-old man, and charged him with murder. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd addressed the media on Sunday, revealing that the bystander, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, aged 39, was a talented fashion designer from Samoa. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are currently trying to understand the motive behind Gamboa's actions.
According to Chief Redd, Gamboa created a perilous situation that ultimately led to Ah Loo's tragic death. At the time of the incident, a man wearing a neon green vest—believed to be part of the peacekeeping team—fired three shots from a handgun at Gamboa. While Gamboa sustained a relatively minor injury from the exchange of gunfire, Ah Loo was fatally wounded.
Volunteer peacekeeping teams are often present at protests to help maintain safety, as noted by Sarah Parker, a national coordinator for the 50501 Movement, which collaborated on the "No Kings" protest. Parker emphasized that while peacekeepers are encouraged to help, they are also instructed not to bring weapons to such events. Despite the unfortunate outcome, she acknowledged that the peacekeepers potentially prevented a larger catastrophe.
"Our safety team did as best as they could in a situation that is extremely sad and extremely scary," Parker stated, highlighting the chaotic environment that unfolded during the protest.
Ah Loo, affectionately known as Afa, was not only a husband and father of two but also a well-respected figure in the fashion industry. His contributions to the community included founding Creative Pacific, an event celebrating the rich diversity of the Pacific Islands through workshops, artistry, and fashion shows. Additionally, he gained recognition by participating in Season 17 of the reality TV series "Project Runway."
The gunfire caused panic among the hundreds of protesters present, with many fleeing to nearby businesses and parking garages for safety. Witnesses reported hearing urgent cries to escape as the situation escalated. Social media platforms were flooded with videos capturing the chaos, including one where a person can be heard shouting, "That’s a gun. Come on, come on, get out."
The "No Kings" protests, which occurred nationwide, saw millions rallying against what they termed President Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies. While many confrontations were localized, the protests highlighted a broader sentiment of unrest across the country.
In addition to the ongoing investigation into Gamboa's actions, the peacekeepers' responses are also being scrutinized. Police recovered an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene, further complicating the narrative surrounding this tragic event. Gamboa, who reportedly had no prior criminal history, received medical treatment for his injuries before being booked into jail.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with public protests and the importance of ensuring safety for all participants.
