Salt Lake City Police identify victim and suspect in deadly ‘No Kings’ protest shooting

In this image taken from video provided by the Salt Lake City Police Department, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd speaks during a press conference Sunday, June 15, 2025, about the shooting incident at the "No Kings" demonstration in Salt Lake City. Photo: Salt Lake City Police Department via TownLift

SALT LAKE CITY — A 39-year-old fashion designer and father of two was killed Saturday night when a member of a volunteer peacekeeping team opened fire on a man allegedly brandishing a rifle during the “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City, police confirmed Sunday.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd identified the victim as Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. A native of Samoa, Ah Loo was a celebrated designer and organizer of Creative Pacific, a cultural event that showcases Pacific Islander heritage through art, workshops, and fashion. He was also a former contestant on Season 17 of “Project Runway.”

“We send our condolences to the family of the individual who died, and to everyone affected by this tragedy,” Chief Redd said at a press conference. “No one should fear coming to a peaceful, lawful demonstration in our city.”

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Police arrested Arturo Gamboa, 24, of Utah, on suspicion of murder after they say he pulled out an AR-15-style rifle, raised it toward the crowd, and was shot by a peacekeeper attempting to stop what police say could have become a mass casualty incident.

Chief Redd said Gamboa suffered a minor gunshot wound and was treated before being booked into jail. Police recovered a rifle, gas mask, and backpack near where he was detained, hidden among a group of people near 100 South and 200 East. Community members flagged officers to his location.

According to Redd, Gamboa did not fire any shots, but his actions prompted an armed peacekeeper to fire three rounds from a handgun, striking both Gamboa and Ah Loo. Detectives believe Ah Loo was not the intended target but an innocent bystander participating in the protest.

The man who fired the weapon has not been publicly identified and is cooperating with police through legal counsel. No charges have been filed against him as of Sunday, but police say the shooting remains under active investigation.

Community Shock and Mourning

Ah Loo’s death has reverberated through Utah’s Pacific Islander and artistic communities. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support his family described him as a vibrant cultural ambassador and dedicated father.

“Our safety team did as best as they could in a situation that is extremely sad and extremely scary,” said Sarah Parker, a national coordinator for the 50501 Movement, one of the protest partners. She noted that peacekeeping teams are common at protests but said organizers ask that no one bring weapons, including peacekeepers.

Gamboa, who had no known criminal history, has not publicly stated a motive. Police say they do not yet know why he brought the rifle or what led to the confrontation.

A Peaceful Protest Turned Chaotic

The “No Kings” protest was part of a nationwide movement criticizing what organizers call authoritarian overreach by President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January. In Salt Lake City, thousands marched from Pioneer Park to the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, carrying signs with messages such as “No crowns for a clown” and “Protect the people.”

The event was calm until just after 8 p.m., when witnesses say Gamboa separated from the crowd, moved behind a wall, and pulled out the rifle. Two peacekeepers in neon green vests reportedly confronted him with handguns drawn. Gamboa allegedly raised the rifle in a firing stance and began moving toward the crowd before one peacekeeper opened fire.

Video shared on social media captured the chaos as shots rang out.

Despite a few violent incidents during Saturday’s “No Kings” protests across the country, the demonstrations were largely peaceful, with millions protesting in more than 100 cities.

Eyewitness Recounts Chaos

Emerson Glusker, 20, said she was about 20 yards from the gunman when shots rang out during the protest near the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building.

“I was looking the other way, talking to someone, when the shots rang out and we just started running,” she said.

Glusker described a scene of panic as people fled in all directions. She saw a man in a yellow vest holding a gun and a person down on the ground.

“People were running over one another,” she said. “I am horrified for the state of our country.”

She eventually took shelter in a nearby hotel to recover from the shock.

“There were thousands of peaceful people at the protest—of all ages, people in wheelchairs,” she said. “I’ve never seen violence like this at a protest before.”

Investigation Ongoing

Chief Redd said the Salt Lake City Police Department had been well-prepared for the event, with officers staged throughout the march route. “This came out of nowhere,” he said.

The department is working closely with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether the peacekeeper who fired will face any charges.

“We’re less than 24 hours into this investigation,” Redd said Sunday. “There’s still a lot of questions to be answered.”

Police said they were aware of the peacekeeping team’s presence earlier in the evening and made contact with them at Pioneer Park. The number of peacekeepers present and their level of training remains under review.

Gamboa’s motive and how he obtained the rifle are also key focuses of the investigation. No other injuries were reported in connection with the shooting.

Authorities say updates will be provided as more information becomes available.