While armed citizen defenders confronted a would-be mass shooter who brought an AR-15 to the event, the chaotic leftist “No Kings” protest took a deadly turn when a 39-year-old man was fatally shot.
See the tweet further down this post.
The armed peacekeepers acted swiftly when 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa brandished his rifle and rushed toward a crowd of 10,000 demonstrators, tragically resulting in the death of an innocent bystander.
The deadly incident unfolded during a “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City over the weekend.
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, was fatally shot during the confrontation between armed peacekeepers and Gamboa.
Witnesses said he separated from the crowd, pulled out an AR-15-style rifle, and began manipulating it before charging toward the mass of protesters.
The quick actions of two armed men in high-visibility vests, part of the event’s security team, likely prevented a mass casualty event.
When Gamboa raised his weapon in a firing position and rushed toward the crowd, one of the armed peacekeepers fired three rounds, striking Gamboa and tragically hitting Ah Loo, who was not the intended target.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed that despite life-saving efforts, Ah Loo died at a local hospital.
Gamboa, who sustained a minor gunshot wound, was arrested with his rifle, gas mask, and backpack in his possession.
He is now being held without bail on suspicion of murder due to actions that showed “depraved indifference to human life.”
The man who opened fire at the Salt Lake City, Utah "NO KINGS" drama was captured. Below are multiple pics and video from the shooting. Democrats continue to be "The Party of Violence". pic.twitter.com/lvls0atK7b
— Jere_Memez (@Jere_Memez) June 15, 2025
The heroic actions of everyday citizens extended beyond the armed peacekeepers.
After the shooting, the crowd assisted law enforcement by pointing out Gamboa, who was attempting to hide among the protesters.
Chief Redd praised these actions as “heroic,” demonstrating how armed and alert citizens can be crucial in preventing tragedy.
Though the mainstream media focuses on the tragedy of the innocent bystander, this incident highlights the importance of the Second Amendment and prepared citizens.
Without the armed peacekeepers on site, Gamboa might have successfully carried out what appears to have been a planned attack on thousands of unsuspecting protesters.
Unlike in cities where leftist policies have disarmed law-abiding citizens, Salt Lake City’s respect for gun rights allowed for an immediate response to the threat.
Police, regardless of how well-prepared they were for the event, could not have reacted as quickly as the armed citizens on scene who stopped Gamboa before he could open fire on the crowd.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Salt Lake City Police and District Attorney’s Office are investigating potential additional charges against the suspect.
Meanwhile, the armed peacekeepers are cooperating with police and have not faced any charges.
This incident is a stark reminder that the best defense against those with evil intentions is often good people prepared to act.
As the Salt Lake City community comes to terms with the shocking turn of events, the incident raises important questions about the efficacy of current protest safety measures and the balance between maintaining order and respecting individual freedoms.
