Crime
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo killed in shooting at Salt Lake ‘No Kings Day’ event, suspect Arturo Gamboa arrested
Salt Lake City, UT — A protest in downtown Salt Lake City turned deadly Saturday evening when a designated private peacekeeper opened fire after confronting an armed individual, unintentionally killing a bystander.
The suspect, 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, a Utah resident with no prior criminal history, has been arrested and charged with murder.
According to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, the incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. near 100 South and 200 East during a “No Kings Day” demonstration.
Officers from the department’s Motor Squad were on duty nearby when they heard gunfire. Responding officers arrived on the scene and found 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo lying on the ground with a gunshot wound.
Despite emergency aid from SWAT medics and paramedics, Ah Loo was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Authorities say the situation escalated when Gamboa, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, was observed by two individuals believed to be private armed security assigned to monitor the protest.
Witnesses reported that Gamboa had separated himself from the crowd and concealed himself briefly behind a wall before emerging with the weapon.
Gamboa then raised the rifle into a firing position and began moving toward the crowd.
One of the peacekeepers, fearing an imminent threat, fired three rounds from a handgun.
One round struck Gamboa in the left side of his abdomen, and another tragically hit Ah Loo, an uninvolved and peaceful protest participant.
Gamboa, though wounded, attempted to flee by blending back into the crowd. Bystanders quickly pointed him out to police officers, who arrested him without further incident.
During his apprehension, officers recovered the AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack in Gamboa’s possession.
Investigators later confirmed that Gamboa never fired his weapon.
All shots were discharged by the security personnel. However, under Utah law — consistent with legal principles in many jurisdictions — an individual can be charged with murder if their criminal actions create circumstances that directly result in someone’s death.
Salt Lake City Police are actively working with the District Attorney’s Office to review the case and determine if further charges will be pursued.
The police department has not commented on whether prior tips about a man carrying an assault-style weapon inside a local Maverik convenience store, as mentioned in witness Facebook videos, are substantiated.
The incident remains under thorough investigation.
Authorities have asked anyone with video or information related to the shooting to contact law enforcement.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.