Peacekeeper Shoots Armed Man at ‘No Kings’ Protest—But Kills Bystander in the Process
A peaceful protest in Salt Lake City turned deadly Saturday evening after a man opened fire while trying to stop a gunman—accidentally killing a bystander in the process.
According to police, the shooter was part of a volunteer peacekeeping team assigned to help maintain order during the “No Kings” rally, one of many held nationwide to protest what organizers called former President Donald Trump’s authoritarianism. The man, wearing a neon green vest identifying him as part of the safety team, fired three shots at a rifle-wielding individual—striking both the gunman and a bystander, who later died.
Who Were the People Involved?
The suspected gunman, 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, was taken into custody and charged with murder. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said Gamboa had no criminal history and it’s still unclear why he brought a rifle to the protest or ran when confronted.
The man who was killed was Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, a well-known Samoan fashion designer, husband, and father of two. Known affectionately as “Afa,” Ah Loo was featured on Season 17 of Project Runway and was the founder of Creative Pacific, an event spotlighting Pacific Islander culture through fashion, art, and workshops.
What Happened?
Police said the incident unfolded around 8 p.m. in downtown Salt Lake City. Gamboa allegedly broke away from the main group of demonstrators, moved behind a wall, and then pulled out what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle. That’s when two peacekeepers in neon vests confronted him with their handguns drawn.
According to witnesses, Gamboa raised the rifle into a firing position and began running toward the crowd. One of the peacekeepers fired three shots, hitting both Gamboa and Ah Loo. Gamboa sustained a non-life-threatening injury, while Ah Loo died at the hospital.
Police later recovered a gas mask, a backpack, and the rifle at the scene.
Organizers: Tragic but Could’ve Been Worse
Sarah Parker, a national coordinator with the 50501 Movement, which co-organized the protest, said the safety team acted quickly under intense pressure—even if the outcome was heartbreaking.
“Our safety team did as best as they could in a situation that is extremely sad and extremely scary,” she said. Parker noted that while peacekeepers are common at protests, they’re typically asked not to carry weapons. Still, she believes they may have prevented an even greater tragedy.
The peacekeeper who opened fire has not been publicly named, and police say his actions are also under investigation.
Chaos and Fear in the Crowd
In the moments after the gunfire, panic rippled through the crowd. Hundreds of protesters fled, ducked behind barricades, and ran into nearby buildings and parking garages. A video posted to social media captured the chaos, with someone yelling, “That’s a gun. Come on, come on, get out!”
The Salt Lake City shooting was one of several isolated incidents reported at “No Kings” protests nationwide.
In Riverside, California, a driver reportedly struck a protester with an SUV and fled the scene. The woman suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and police are still searching for the suspect.
In Phoenix, outside the Arizona State Capitol, a man was seen in a video pulling a handgun after being confronted by protesters. He was quickly detained by Arizona Department of Public Safety officers.
Remembering Ah Loo
Ah Loo’s death has sent shockwaves through his community, both in Utah and beyond. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support his family highlights his commitment to his Samoan roots and his passion for fashion as a way to uplift Pacific Islander voices.
He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
Source: CNN – Protester shot and killed at ‘No Kings’ rally in Utah, police say
