Salt Lake City, UT — June 14, 2025
What began as a day meant to celebrate unity, justice, and the power of peaceful protest ended in unimaginable tragedy in downtown Salt Lake City. During the “No Kings” Day demonstration—a permitted event organized to uplift marginalized voices and advocate for equitable governance—39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo was fatally shot, sending shockwaves through the city and beyond.
The incident occurred just after 4:00 p.m., near the intersection of State Street and 300 South, as hundreds of demonstrators filled the streets with chants, banners, and peaceful resolve. Witnesses described the atmosphere as spirited but calm—until a sudden burst of gunfire sent crowds into panic. Screams echoed as people scrambled for cover.
Arthur Ah Loo, a beloved father, son, and Salt Lake City resident, was caught in the crossfire. According to police, he was an innocent bystander who had been standing near the main procession, offering water and supplies to attendees. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and administered life-saving measures, but despite their efforts, Ah Loo was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital.
Authorities later confirmed that 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa had been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. According to preliminary findings by Salt Lake City Police Department detectives, Gamboa allegedly brandished an AR-15-style rifle and moved aggressively toward the crowd before opening fire. Detectives are still investigating the motive, but initial reports suggest the act was not random.
Gamboa has since been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges including murder, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Utah Highway Patrol, are working collaboratively to determine whether the shooting was politically motivated or the result of a personal vendetta.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall addressed the media shortly after the incident. Fighting back emotion, she said,
“Today was supposed to be a day of hope, a day where people could come together to celebrate our shared commitment to justice and equality. Instead, we’re mourning the loss of a father and a friend. Arthur’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers we still face in exercising our rights peacefully.”
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter, whom family members say was the light of his life. A graduate of East High School and a well-known figure in the local rugby and community wellness scenes, Ah Loo was described by those who knew him as “the kind of man who gave more than he took.” His mother, Maria Ah Loo, spoke through tears during a candlelight vigil held the following evening:
“He believed in standing up for people, in kindness, in justice. He was there to help, to protect—not to protest with hate, but to support others. My son died doing what he believed in.”
In the aftermath, the community has responded with an outpouring of grief and solidarity. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now cover the sidewalk where Arthur was shot. Vigils have been held in Liberty Park, and donations have poured in to support his daughter and cover funeral expenses.
Local activist organizations, including Justice Utah and Pacific Islanders for Peace, have called for a citywide moment of silence and renewed focus on nonviolence. “Arthur’s death must not be in vain,” said community leader Kalani Levu. “He stood for peace, and we will carry that torch forward in his name.”
Investigators urge anyone with footage or information related to the shooting to come forward. They are particularly interested in crowd-sourced videos from the moments leading up to the attack.
The “No Kings” Day, once envisioned as an annual celebration of civic courage and community empowerment, now carries the heavy memory of a life lost too soon. Yet in Arthur Folasa Ah Loo’s name, many vow to continue fighting for a future he believed in—one where justice prevails, voices are heard, and peace is protected.
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