Safety Volunteer's Actions Under Investigation After Fatal Shooting at Utah Rally

A safety volunteer's decision to fire three rounds at an alleged gunman at a "No Kings" rally in Salt Lake City has sparked a probe into whether their actions were justified, resulting in the death of protester Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. The safety volunteer and another man had drawn their handguns, ordering the alleged gunman, Arturo Gamboa, to drop his rifle, but he instead moved toward the crowd. Gamboa, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, allegedly created the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo's death. Investigators are reviewing footage of the incident and interviewing witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Key Takeaways:

• A safety volunteer fired three rounds at an alleged gunman, Arturo Gamboa, during a "No Kings" rally in Salt Lake City, resulting in the death of protester Arthur Folasa Ah Loo.
• Gamboa was allegedly brandishing a rifle and disobeyed orders from the safety volunteer and another man to drop the weapon, leading to the fatal shooting.
• Investigators are looking into whether the safety volunteer was justified in firing their gun, and a state judge extended Gamboa's detention without bail until Monday to continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing footage.
• The protest organizers stated that the safety volunteer was a military veteran and "safety volunteer" meant to help maintain order, but did not provide further details on the person's training or explain why they were armed.
• Arming safety teams is widely discouraged, as it tends to create more problems than it solves, according to Edward Maguire, an Arizona State University criminology and criminal justice professor.
• Ah Loo was a 39-year-old fashion designer and former "Project Runway" contestant who devoted his life to celebrating artists from the Pacific Islands, and leaves behind a wife and two young children.
• The permit for the protest did not specify that there would be armed security, and event staffers' roles are under investigation.

Statistics:

• 18,000 people attended the "No Kings" rally in Salt Lake City.
• 3 rounds were fired by the safety volunteer at Arturo Gamboa.
• 2 people were hit by the gunfire, including Gamboa, who was arrested, and Ah Loo, who died.
• 1 rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack were found near the scene where Gamboa was arrested.
• 1 husband is left to care for the 2 children of Ah Loo.
• The value of the GoFundMe page set up for Ah Loo's family is unknown.

Sources:

• "Associated Press, Jesse Bedayn and Hannah Schoenbaum, 'Safety volunteer's actions under investigation after fatal shooting at Utah rally,'" The Associated Press, June 18, 2025.
• "Timothy Zick, a William & Mary Law School professor, as quoted in the article," The Associated Press, June 18, 2025.
• "Edward Maguire, an Arizona State University criminology and criminal justice professor, as quoted in the article," The Associated Press, June 18, 2025.
• "Benjamin Powell, a friend of Ah Loo's, as quoted in the article," The Associated Press, June 18, 2025.
• "Sarah Parker, a national coordinator for 50501 Movement, as quoted in the article," The Associated Press, June 18, 2025.