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Police: Peacekeeper Shot Rifleman and Accidentally Killed Bystander at Protest

Police Peacekeeper Shot Rifleman and Accidentally Killed Bystander at Protest

SALT LAKE CITY — A peaceful “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City turned tragic Saturday evening when a man believed to be part of a volunteer peacekeeping team shot at an armed individual, hitting the gunman and fatally wounding a bystander, according to police.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said that Arturo Gamboa, 24, was taken into custody and charged with murder after he allegedly brandished a rifle near a crowd of protesters. The man killed was identified as 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a fashion designer from Samoa.

According to authorities, the man in a neon green vest—believed to be a peacekeeper—fired three rounds from a handgun after Gamboa pulled out a rifle and moved toward the crowd. While one bullet struck Gamboa and caused minor injuries, another struck Ah Loo, who later died at the hospital.

Detectives are still working to determine Gamboa’s motive, though they accuse him of creating the conditions that led to the fatal shooting. Police recovered an AR-15-style rifle, gas mask, and backpack from the scene.

Sarah Parker, national coordinator of the 50501 Movement, said peacekeeping volunteers are common at large demonstrations, though participants are instructed not to bring weapons. She acknowledged the tragedy but said the actions of the safety team may have prevented a larger catastrophe.

“Our safety team did as best as they could in a situation that is extremely sad and extremely scary,” Parker said.

The gunfire caused panic among the crowd, sending protesters fleeing into nearby garages and businesses. A video posted to social media captured the chaos, with someone shouting, “That’s a gun. Come on, get out!”

Ah Loo, affectionately known as “Afa,” was the founder of Creative Pacific, a cultural event celebrating Pacific Islander diversity through fashion, art, and workshops. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

The peacekeeper involved in the shooting has not been identified, and their role in the incident remains under investigation, police said.

The shooting occurred during a nationwide wave of “No Kings” protests, aimed at challenging what organizers described as authoritarian tendencies of former President Donald Trump. Most protests remained peaceful, though isolated incidents of violence were reported in California and Arizona.

The investigation in Salt Lake City remains ongoing.

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