Trendpills
A volunteer who provided security at a "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City now faces a manslaughter charge in connection with the fatal shooting of a bystander on June 14, 2025. The incident, which killed 39-year-old fashion designer Arthur "Afa" Ah Loo, has raised complex questions about the role of armed volunteers at public demonstrations and the interpretation of self-defense laws.
The shooting occurred when the volunteer, a military veteran acting as a self-described "peacekeeper," confronted 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who was legally open-carrying an AR-15-style rifle at the protest. According to police reports, the peacekeeper believed Gamboa posed an imminent threat and fired his handgun. The shots struck Gamboa in the back and also fatally wounded Ah Loo, an innocent bystander. Gamboa, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, was later released from jail without charges. His attorney stated his rifle was not loaded.
The role of the armed volunteers has been a central point of the investigation. The national 50501 organization, which coordinated the nationwide "No Kings" protests, disavowed its Utah chapter following the incident, citing a strict no-weapons policy for anyone representing the group. The Salt Lake City Police Department clarified that these "peacekeepers" are not sanctioned or trained by law enforcement and are considered members of the public. Organizers of the Salt Lake City march confirmed the shooter was part of their volunteer safety team, chosen for his military and de-escalation experience.
Prosecutors' decision to press charges hinges on whether the shooter's belief of an imminent threat was reasonable. While the volunteer claimed Gamboa was running towards the crowd with his rifle in a firing position, emerging video evidence has appeared to contradict this account, showing Gamboa with his rifle pointed down. The case is further complicated by Utah’s gun laws, which include "constitutional carry" and a robust "stand your ground" law, making it potentially challenging to prosecute actions taken in perceived self-defense. The fatal shooting has sparked a debate on whether Utah should place greater restrictions on the open carrying of long guns at political protests.
