Four months after a deadly shooting at a No Kings rally in downtown Salt Lake City, the family of Arturo Gamboa says they are still waiting for clarity and justice.
In June 2025, an armed man identified as a peacekeeper opened fire during the demonstration, killing 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo and injuring 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa. Police confirmed Gamboa never fired his rifle but arrested him anyway, recommending murder charges based on witness statements about how he carried the firearm.
Gamboa was jailed for six days before being released when video evidence and legal arguments suggested he never raised or brandished his weapon.
Now, months later, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill’s office continues to review the case with no decision on whether charges will be filed — against Gamboa, the unidentified peacekeeper, or anyone else.
“We are struggling. It’s hard day to day,” Gamboa’s mother, Elizabeth, told KSL Investigators. “It’s always there, always in the forefront of everybody’s mind — especially Arturo’s. It’s frustrating not knowing anything.”
The June shooting and arrest
During the rally, police say chaos broke out when an armed attendee — later identified as a peacekeeper — saw Gamboa carrying a rifle. The peacekeeper fired three times, striking Gamboa and Ah Loo.
Witnesses initially told police that Gamboa appeared to be handling the rifle in a threatening way, prompting officers to detain him on suspicion of murder. But Gamboa’s defense attorney argued that:
- The rifle was unloaded.
- Video evidence showed he never aimed or raised it.
- The peacekeeper fired from behind, unprovoked.
A judge agreed to release Gamboa, finding insufficient evidence to hold him further.
Emotional aftermath
Elizabeth Gamboa said her son has healed physically from a “through and through” gunshot wound but continues to grapple with trauma and uncertainty.
“He will be working through it for quite some time — a very, very long time,” she said.
She recalled the moment she reunited with her son after his release:
“It was so many tears. I hugged him and told him, ‘I’m here, and I love you.’”
While Gamboa’s family waits for prosecutors’ decision, they say they’ve also kept the Ah Loo family in their prayers.
“We grieve for them,” Elizabeth said. “We can’t imagine what they’re going through or what they’ll continue to go through for the rest of their lives.”
District Attorney’s statement
District Attorney Sim Gill told KSL his office is handling the case with “care and caution.”
“In the death of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, we have a unique scenario that we are trying to be as thoughtful and careful about as we can,” Gill said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through the intricacies of this incident.”
As No Kings rallies resume nationwide this weekend, Elizabeth said her son plans not to attend any demonstrations in Utah.
“He just wants peace,” she said. “He’s trying to move forward, but it’s hard to do that when you don’t know what’s coming next.”
