Shots rang out as thousands of protesters marched in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday evening. One person, later identified as protester Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, was killed in the incident while Arturo Gamboa, 24, was taken into custody by police.
The shooting appears to have been defensive, with Ah Loo tragically struck in the crossfire.
“Detectives allege [Gamboa] raised an AR-15-style rifle and ran toward the crowd, prompting a person to fire three rounds, one of which tragically struck Mr. Ah Loo,” Salt Lake City police said in a statement.
“Our detectives believe he was an innocent bystander,” the statement continued. “Chief Brian Redd extended his condolences to Mr. Ah Loo’s family and those affected by this traumatic event. He added that our officers responded quickly, bravely, and with professionalism.”
An estimated 10,000 people were in attendance at the “No Kings” rally that began in Pioneer Park and marched north through the downtown area, according to authorities. Gunfire was heard at around 8 p.m., with video posted online showing protesters fleeing in terror.
Police were seen with guns drawn approaching a man standing next to a building near 200 South and State Street. A Fox 13 News crew reported seeing the man, who was taken into custody, with blood on his hands.
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox said “The shooting at tonight’s protest in Salt Lake City is a deeply troubling act of violence and has no place in our public square”.
“The violence we’ve seen today in Salt Lake City and elsewhere in the country is horrific—it’s just not who we are. We deserve to feel safe, especially when exercising our First Amendment rights,” Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall shared online.
“Thank you to the Salt Lake City Police Department for their quick action tonight to protect lives and support those marching peacefully. My heart is with you, SLC.”
Gamboa, who did not fire his rifle, was arrested on suspicion of murder, accused of creating the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo’s death, police have said. He has not been charged but a state judge on Thursday grated a request by prosecutors to extend his bail until Monday.
Police are asking for anyone with photos or videos of the incident to upload them here.
