A tragic incident unfolded during the "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday, resulting in the death of a demonstrator named Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. Police confirmed that Ah Loo, 39, was shot by Arturo Gamboa, 24, who was part of a peacekeeping team at the event. According to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, Ah Loo was not the intended target of the gunfire but rather an innocent participant in the demonstration.
On Saturday evening, following the shooting, Gamboa was taken into custody and faces murder charges. Witnesses reported that a man wearing a brightly colored vest fired three shots from a handgun during the confrontation. While Gamboa sustained a minor injury from the incident, the shots tragically fatally wounded Ah Loo, who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Redd mentioned that peacekeepers in neon vests observed Gamboa diverging from the crowd and acquiring a rifle before he confronted them. As the situation escalated, one of the peacekeepers drew their weapon and discharged it at Gamboa, which led to the chaotic scene where hundreds of protestors fled in fear. No clear motive for Gamboa's actions has been established as part of the ongoing investigation, which also focuses on the role of the peacekeeping team present at the protest.
Amidst the nationwide demonstrations against perceived authoritarianism linked to former President Donald Trump, the Utah chapter of the 50501 movement, who helped organize the rally, has condemned the violence that occurred. Authorities have since recovered an AR-15 style rifle and other items connected to the incident, but questions remain regarding the peacekeepers' involvement and their background.
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