Bystander killed at ‘No Kings’ protest in Utah
A tragic incident occurred during a “No Kings” protest in salt Lake City, Utah, where a bystander, Arthur Folasa Ah loo, was shot and killed.The shooting happened when Arturo Gamboa, 24, carrying a rifle, was confronted by individuals designated as “peacekeepers.” While Gamboa was injured, Ah Loo was fatally struck and subsequently died in the hospital. gamboa has been arrested and charged with murder. The peacekeepers, who were instructed not to carry weapons, are cooperating with an ongoing inquiry.
The protest aimed to voice opposition to former President Donald Trump, coinciding with his military parade held on his birthday. Eunic Epstein-Ortiz, a spokesperson for the protest, expressed deep sorrow over Ah Loo’s death, emphasizing that the movement is committed to nonviolence. Ah Loo, a fashion designer and contestant on “Project Runway,” left behind a wife and two children.The community has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with his funeral expenses as they navigate this profound loss.
Bystander killed at ‘No Kings’ protest in Utah
A person shot and killed an innocent bystander during a “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday.
The person suspected of being a protest “peacekeeper” fired his weapon three times after Arturo Gamboa, 24, pulled out a rifle from his backpack. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday when Gamboa, who was marching in the protest, stepped off to the side near a wall and pulled out a rifle. Two supposed peacekeepers in vests confronted Gamboa before shooting at him, inflicting a minor injury on Gamboa and also fatally striking Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, a fashion designer from Samoa. Ah Loo later died at the hospital.
Gamboa was arrested on a murder charge for his actions, which led to Ah Loo’s death. The peacekeepers, who were asked not to bring weapons, are cooperating with authorities in the investigation. Sarah Parker, a national coordinator for the 50501 Movement and a partner for the “No Kings” protest, said the peacekeepers likely prevented a mass casualty event.
“Our safety team did as best as they could in a situation that is extremely sad and extremely scary,” said Parker.
Gamboa possesses no criminal history and the motives behind his attempt on Saturday still remain unknown.
“There’s still a lot of questions to be answered, and we will continue to update you as we learn more and the investigation progresses,” Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said. “What we do know is that this incident unfolded very quickly. It was chaotic, but it was resolved very quickly” thanks to police and civilians.
Ah Loo, who goes by Afa, is survived by his wife and two children.
“This unimaginable loss has left a profound void in their lives,” a GoFundMe created to raise money for his funeral expenses stated.
Ah Loo was a contestant who appeared on season 17 of the fashion design reality TV show ‘Project Runway.”
Eunic Epstein-Ortiz, a national spokesperson for the “No Kings” protest, said that the movement was “devastated” to hear of Ah Loo’s death.
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“We unequivocally condemn any act of violence,” Epstein-Ortiz said in a statement. “This movement is rooted in nonviolence, dignity, and justice — and we grieve any loss of life or injury.”
The “No Kings” protest was orchestrated in opposition to President Donald Trump, characterizing his acts as those of a king. The protests were held on Trump’s birthday, which was also the same day as Trump’s military parade that celebrated the 250th anniversary of the army.
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