Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd addressed the media, clarifying that Ah Loo was not the intended target.
“Our victim was not the intended target. He was participating peacefully in the march,” Redd stated solemnly.
Chaos Erupts as Armed Man Approaches Protesters
According to police, the incident began when a man identified as Arturo Gamboa, 24, suddenly approached the crowd with a rifle. Two individuals serving as volunteer peacekeepers—wearing neon vests—spotted Gamboa raising the rifle in a firing stance and moving toward the crowd.
One of the peacekeepers opened fire, discharging three rounds in an attempt to stop the potential shooter. Gamboa was hit—but tragically, so was Ah Loo, who sustained critical injuries.
Heroic Efforts Not Enough to Save the Victim
Two SWAT medics on the scene rendered immediate life-saving aid to Ah Loo before he was rushed to a hospital. Despite their efforts, he died later that evening from his injuries.
The peacekeeper who fired the shots is cooperating fully with the investigation, police said.
Suspect in Custody, Weapon and Gas Mask Found
Gamboa was wounded and found carrying a rifle and a gas mask inside a backpack. After receiving medical treatment, he was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a charge of murder.
Authorities are now piecing together how a peaceful protest escalated so quickly into violence—and how a well-intentioned effort to neutralize a threat ended with the tragic death of a bystander.
The incident has reignited questions about crowd safety, volunteer security roles, and how best to respond to threats in high-tension public gatherings.