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Shooting at Utah Protest Ignites Urgent Plea for Change and Accountability
Tensions between Iran and the West just hit a new high. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that Iran tried—and failed—twice to assassinate President Donald Trump, citing the former president’s hardline policy against the regime’s nuclear program.
Tragedy Unfolds at Anti-Trump Demonstration
What began as a peaceful demonstration with thousands of participants in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday ended in chaos and tragedy. Salt Lake City Police responded to reports of gunfire near 151 S. State St. during a “No Kings” protest that had drawn approximately 10,000 people. Upon arrival, officers found one person suffering from life-threatening injuries and pursued a suspected shooter who was also wounded. The victim, later identified as Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, was an innocent bystander participating in the demonstration.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunshots rang out, with protesters fleeing in all directions and taking shelter in nearby buildings. The incident occurred during one of several nationwide demonstrations organized to protest against President Donald Trump, whom organizers accused of authoritarian tendencies. Prior to the shooting, the event had been proceeding peacefully, with speakers explicitly calling for nonviolence.
Appears the Utah “no kings” protest shooting suspect Arturo Gamboa is an anti-Trump BLM leftist activist.
Leftist political violence is out of control.
Will Democrats condemn it?
This must stop. https://t.co/KAqfmRb5rE pic.twitter.com/azhiCdRDlv
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 15, 2025
Suspect Charged and Complicated Circumstances
Police arrested 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who has been charged with murder in connection with the incident. According to investigators, Gamboa had no prior criminal history but is accused of creating the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo’s death. Authorities recovered an AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are complex, as Gamboa was reportedly confronted by protest “peacekeepers” after retrieving the rifle.
“Our victim was not the intended target but rather an innocent bystander participating in the demonstration.” Brian Redd
Investigators revealed that a peacekeeper wearing a brightly colored vest fired three shots, striking Gamboa but also fatally wounding Ah Loo. This revelation has raised serious questions about the training, authority, and accountability of self-appointed security at protests. Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed that details about the peacekeeping team, including their hiring and training protocols, are under active investigation. Two additional individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, though authorities are not seeking further suspects.
Murder suspect at Salt Lake City 'No Kings' protest is a radical leftist.
Suspect Arturo Gamboa has spoken about his hatred of the United States and his support of BLM ideology.
A Latino radical leftist and alleged Antifa supporter he was a 24-year-old member of the leftist… pic.twitter.com/5GHGBFFiwk
— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) June 16, 2025
Official Responses and Community Impact
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall quickly condemned the violence while praising the rapid police response to the incident. Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Senate President Stuart Adams also issued statements denouncing the violence and supporting law enforcement efforts. The Utah chapter of the 50501 movement, which organized the protest, released a statement expressing shock and condemning the violence that disrupted their event.
The tragic incident has sparked renewed discussions about protest safety measures, the role of private security at demonstrations, and whether additional safeguards are needed to prevent similar occurrences. Questions remain about what motivated Gamboa to bring a weapon to the protest and how the peacekeeping team was organized and vetted. As investigations continue, community leaders are calling for accountability while emphasizing that violence undermines the democratic principles that peaceful protests are meant to uphold.
Sources:
2 people shot, including suspect in custody, during ‘No Kings’ protest in Salt Lake City, Utah
‘No Kings’ demonstrator dies after being shot at Utah protest, police say