A bystander was shot and killed at the “No Kings” protest Saturday evening in Salt Lake City, Utah. And now, investigators say they’ve arrested a suspect tied to the peacekeeping team for the event.
Nearly 10,000 protesters showed up Saturday to march and take part in the “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City when shots were fired just before 8 p.m., according to the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Hundreds of people ran for safety as officers found Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, suffering from a gunshot wound. Police said they immediately secured the scene and began life-saving efforts. Ah Loo later died from his injuries at the hospital.
Police say Ah Loo attended the event and was not the intended target of the gunfire.
Suspect identified and arrested
Investigators found Arturo Gamboa, 24, dressed in all-black clothing and wearing a black mask, hiding among a group of people. He was also suffering from a gunshot wound. As they approached Gamboa, police said the people around him informed officers of a nearby firearm, described as an AR-15-style rifle.
Police took Gamboa to the hospital and then later booked him on a charge of murder.
Peacekeepers detained, questioned
Officers also detained two other men who were part of the peacekeeping team. Both were wearing neon green vests and carrying handguns.
Detectives say the peacekeepers saw Gamboa leave the crowd and hide behind a wall. The peacekeepers told police they believed Gamboa’s actions were suspicious.
One peacekeeper told detectives he saw Gamboa pull a firearm from a backpack and manipulate it, so much so that the peacekeepers drew their guns and ordered Gamboa to drop his rifle.
Witnesses told police Gamboa did not heed the orders. Instead, he picked up his gun in a firing position and started walking toward the crowd of protesters.
That’s when one of the peacekeepers fired their weapon three times, striking Gamboa and tragically killing Ah Loo.
Victim remembered
Ah Loo leaves behind a wife and two young children, according to a GoFundMe page. He was also a fashion designer and former contestant on the show “Project Runway.”
“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. When this shooting happened, the response of our officers and detectives was fast, brave, and highly coordinated. It speaks to the caliber of this great department and our law enforcement partners,” Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said in a statement.
Ongoing investigation
Gamboa is charged with Ah Loo’s murder. Detectives say they have probable cause that Gamboa acted in a way that was extremely reckless and dangerous, without regard for human life.
Currently, the peacekeepers are not facing charges. Investigators say they’re continuing to investigate their actions.
