Tragedy struck during a ‘No Kings’ protest when peacekeepers confronted a suspicious man who carried an AR-15 rifle and killed an innocent man during the crossfire.
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The deadly shootout occurred amidst a 10,000-person “No Kings” demonstration that was otherwise peaceful.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed that 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo was killed in the crossfire when two armed men in high-visibility vests confronted 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who was seen separating from the crowd with a rifle.
Despite life-saving efforts, Ah Loo died at a local hospital after being shot near 151 S. State Street during the Saturday demonstration.
The so-called “No Kings” protest, organized to oppose recent federal policy decisions, took a deadly turn when Gamboa was observed manipulating an AR-15-style rifle.
According to police, Gamboa “raised the weapon in a firing position and began running toward the crowd,” prompting one of the vest-wearing peacekeepers to fire three rounds in response.
“Our victim was not the intended target, but rather an innocent bystander participating in the demonstration,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd.
Gamboa, who sustained a minor gunshot wound during the confrontation, was later found “hiding in a group of people” and arrested.
Police recovered his backpack containing the “AR-15 style rifle” and a gas mask.
He has been booked into jail on suspicion of murder due to actions showing “depraved indifference to human life” and is being held without bail, despite having no prior criminal history.
The heroic actions of both the peacekeepers and bystanders did not go unnoticed.
Chief Redd praised the crowd’s assistance, stating, “The crowd actually pointed him out to law enforcement, and their actions were heroic.”
The incident demonstrates how armed citizens can play a crucial role in preventing potentially larger tragedies, a point often overlooked in debates about gun rights.
While investigations continue, the peacekeeping members have not faced any legal action and are cooperating with police.
Meanwhile, the protest organizers, Utah 50501, have been working with law enforcement and plan to establish a vigil for Ah Loo.
They have urged against speculation about Gamboa’s motives while emphasizing community strength despite the violence.
This tragic incident underscores the unpredictable nature of mass gatherings in today’s America and the ongoing importance of the Second Amendment.
When seconds counted, it was armed citizens who acted to protect others, potentially saving countless lives despite the heartbreaking loss of an innocent bystander.
