New footage from a protest-turned-tragedy is challenging the official account behind the arrest of 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, a demonstrator detained on suspicion of murder following a fatal shooting during a “No Kings” rally. The incident, which claimed the life of 39-year-old bystander and fashion designer Afa Ah Loo, has raised fresh concerns about the actions of volunteer safety personnel and the circumstances that led to the gunfire.
According to initial police reports, volunteer “peacekeepers” claimed they witnessed Gamboa raise an assault-style rifle and point it toward a crowd, prompting one of them to open fire. However, a newly surfaced video—first aired by KSTU-TV—appears to show Gamboa holding his rifle downward while backing away from the scene. Despite not firing a single round, Gamboa was arrested at the scene with a bullet wound from the volunteer’s shots.
Salt Lake City police confirmed Gamboa had not been formally charged as of Wednesday evening. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office is expected to determine on Thursday whether charges will be filed, Gamboa will be released, or his detention extended.
New Evidence Raises Doubts Over Volunteer Shooting Justification
The video has prompted growing scrutiny over the narrative offered by event volunteers, who had reportedly been chosen for their military or first-responder backgrounds and tasked with crowd safety. The organization behind the protest, Utah’s chapter of the 50501 Movement, defended the shooter as a military veteran who perceived Gamboa as a threat. However, in the footage now circulating online, Gamboa appears to jog away from the gunfire with his weapon lowered, not aimed.
This new perspective is fueling outrage and disbelief among supporters, activists, and Gamboa’s family. “He wouldn’t even hurt a fly,” said Marianna Gamboa, the protester’s mother, in her first public comment since his arrest. “He has strong opinions, and he has a right to carry.”
Utah’s open-carry laws permit visible firearms in public without a permit, yet police have maintained that Gamboa posed a “substantial danger” during the incident. Authorities have not publicly identified the safety volunteer who fired the fatal shots, nor have they announced any charges against that individual.
Salt Lake City police have declined to comment directly on the video, stating that the investigation remains “complex” and ongoing. “We are continuing to gather the necessary information to support a referral to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office,” said police spokesperson Brent Weisberg.
Community Rallies Around Gamboa as Investigation Continues
Supporters of Gamboa, who is well known in Salt Lake City’s activist and music scenes, have begun organizing legal and emotional support efforts. Longtime friend and local venue operator Konrad Keele described Gamboa as a “sweet kid” with a deep passion for activism and music. Keele is currently coordinating community meetings, benefit concerts, and potential legal aid as Gamboa remains in custody.
Jeanette Padilla Vega, CEO of the Food Justice Coalition, recalled Gamboa’s commanding presence at rallies since 2020. “To lose him like this—it just feels so incredibly horrific,” she said. “The emotion is very raw for a lot of people.”
The incident has also sparked calls for transparency and accountability from protest organizers regarding the vetting and training of safety volunteers. While the 50501 Movement had asked attendees not to bring weapons, questions remain about enforcement and oversight of that policy.
Visit The Enterprise World for most recent information.
