The Salt Lake City Police Department has released new information regarding the downtown shooting that unfolded during a large-scale demonstration Saturday. In what was a traumatic incident for the city, a 39-year-old man, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, was fatally shot amidst the “No Kings” protest, with approximately 10,000 attendees reported. The update comes straight from the Police Chief Brian Redd, who said, as obtained by SLCPD, "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed, and with the many community members who were impacted by this traumatic incident."
It all began at around 7:56 p.m. near 151 South State Street, when a sergeant from the SLCPD Motor Squad heard the gunfire and officers were swiftly dispatched to the scene. The ensuing chaos prompted bystanders to seek refuge in nearby shops and parking structures. The officers and detectives, including members of the department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and Gang Unit, found Ah Loo and began life-saving efforts. Still, despite their and community members' attempts, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The police investigation revealed that Ah Loo, the Utah resident, was an innocent bystander and not the intended target. What followed was the detention of 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who sustained a gunshot wound and was discovered amongst a crowd, dressed in all black and wearing a black mask. Further investigation led to the discovery of a nearby AR-15-style rifle, additional clothing, and a backpack, which were collected and processed as evidence. Gamboa has been booked into Salt Lake County Metro Jail on murder charges.
Also involved were two armed individuals donning neon green vests, who were part of the event's peacekeeping team. They confronted Gamboa when they noticed him behaving suspiciously and pulling out the rifle. Witnesses reported seeing Gamboa run toward the assembled crowd, rifle in hand. In response, one of the peacekeepers fired three shots. While one bullet hit Gamboa, another tragically struck Mr. Ah Loo. Detectives are actively gathering details to understand why Gamboa brandished his rifle and the actions that ensued, including those by the peacekeepers. According to SLCPD, the peacekeepers tried to render aid to Ah Loo immediately after the incident.
