SALT LAKE CITY, UT — A man held on suspicion of murder following a fatal shooting at a “No Kings” protest earlier this month has been ordered released from jail by a Third District Court judge. Arturo Gamboa, 24, was released Friday evening after Judge James Blanch signed the order, a decision that comes as the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office continues to grapple with the complexities of the chaotic and tragic event.
Gamboa was arrested on June 14 amid a protest in downtown Salt Lake City, one of many nationwide demonstrations held in opposition to the Trump administration. The protest turned deadly when a “safety volunteer” for the event fired a weapon, killing a fellow protester, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, and injuring Gamboa.
According to police reports, Gamboa was in possession of a rifle at the protest. Initial accounts from law enforcement suggested that he was running toward the crowd with the weapon in a firing position, prompting the volunteer to open fire. However, Gamboa did not discharge his weapon.
His attorney, Greg Skordas, has maintained his client’s innocence, stating that Gamboa was lawfully open-carrying his rifle, which he claims was unloaded, and never pointed it at anyone. “He should have never been in jail in the first place,” Skordas told reporters. “We firmly believe Arturo committed no crimes.”
The District Attorney’s Office, in a pivotal turn, informed the court that they would be unable to make an informed decision on whether to file formal charges against Gamboa before his scheduled release date. This led to the judge’s order for his release, conditional upon him residing with his father, surrendering his passport, and refraining from possessing any firearms.
The tragic incident has cast a spotlight on the presence of armed individuals at public demonstrations and the role of self-appointed security. The “safety volunteer” who fired the fatal shots has not been publicly identified, and the investigation into their actions is ongoing.
The “No Kings” protests, organized by the 50501 Movement, were intended to be nonviolent expressions of dissent. An organizer for the national movement has stated that local chapters were advised against bringing weapons to the events.
As Gamboa walks free, the community is left to mourn the loss of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo and await the conclusions of a complex investigation that now centers on the actions of the individual who pulled the trigger. The Salt Lake City Police Department continues to appeal to the public for any video footage or information that could shed further light on the tragic events of that day.
