Editor’s notice: On June 16, 2025, throughout the 7 a.m. hour of “GMA,” ABC Information incorrectly acknowledged that somebody was shot by regulation enforcement. This isn’t the case. Police are investigating the taking pictures.
Salt Lake Metropolis police are investigating the roles of two self-described “peacekeepers” following a deadly taking pictures at Saturday’s protest that left one individual useless and one other injured, elevating questions on unauthorized safety at public demonstrations.
The 2 males, who had been carrying yellow “excessive visibility” vests throughout the incident, had been questioned and launched as investigators work to find out whether or not they had been appointed by protest organizers, volunteered or had been self-appointed.
Neither particular person has present or former regulation enforcement expertise, in response to the Salt Lake Metropolis Police Division (SLCPD).
The incident occurred throughout a “No Kings Day” protest that drew an estimated 10,000 folks to Pioneer Park. In line with Salt Lake Metropolis Police, the violence erupted when two males, recognized as “peacekeepers” by police, confronted 24-year-old Arturo Roberto Gamboa after recognizing him allegedly pulling out and “manipulating” a rifle close to 151 S. State Road round 8 p.m.
Demonstrators carry indicators and chant whereas marching throughout a “No Kings” protest, June 14, 2025, in Salt Lake Metropolis.
Amanda Barrett/AP
“Witnesses say Gamboa raised the weapon in a firing place and commenced working towards the group,” Salt Lake Metropolis Police Chief Brian Redd mentioned Sunday at a information convention.
One of many peacekeepers opened hearth, putting each Gamboa and an harmless bystander, Arthur Folasa “Afa” Ah Lavatory, 39. Ah Lavatory was killed within the incident, whereas Gamboa was wounded and later arrested, in response to police.
The protest was organized by 50501, a grassroots political group identified for organizing rallies and protests nationwide.
In line with police, there was no file within the occasion’s allow indicating the presence of organized or armed safety, and investigators are nonetheless working to find out the full variety of “peacekeepers” current on the rally.
The taking pictures prompted a swift response from state management. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox known as the incident “a deeply troubling act of violence” that “has no place in our public sq.” in a press release Saturday night time. After talking with Salt Lake Metropolis Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Cox later posted on X: “My coronary heart is damaged for everybody impacted tonight.”
Whereas Utah regulation permits for firearm possession and use beneath sure circumstances, police say the legality of any particular person’s actions will rely upon the particular particulars of the case.
The SLCPD’s murder detectives are working with the Salt Lake County District Lawyer’s Workplace to find out if using lethal power was lawful beneath state regulation.
Police say Gamboa, who was discovered “crouching down amongst a small crowd of individuals” after the taking pictures, was wearing black clothes and a masks, and possessed an AR-15 type rifle, a gasoline masks, and a backpack. He has been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of homicide, although police verify he didn’t hearth any photographs.
The protest in Salt Lake Metropolis was a part of nationwide “No Kings Day” demonstrations that drew over 5 million members throughout the nation, in response to organizers. The protests had been held to counter the Trump administration and a navy parade in Washington, D.C.
The investigation stays ongoing, with SLCPD murder detectives working carefully with the Salt Lake County District Lawyer’s Workplace. The division has requested that anybody with images or movies of the incident add them to their proof portal.
“Our detectives are actually working to totally examine the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Redd said in a press release. “We is not going to enable this particular person act to create concern in our group.”
