SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 20, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) -- A Third District Court judge has signed an order presented by the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office to release Arturo Gamboa, who was arrested after the fatal shooting of Arthur "Afa" Ah Loo on June 14 during the "No Kings" peaceful protest in downtown Salt Lake City.
Gamboa, 24, was arrested for investigation of alleged murder, listed as a first-degree felony; however, court documents say he had not fired the assault rifle he was carrying. The fatal shots were fired by an event "peacekeeper," an armed event volunteer, who had agreed to keep protesters safe, later SLCPD statements said.
The "peacekeeper," described as a military veteran, reportedly told police he had seen Gamboa raise his gun and run at the crowd. Video uncovered later seemed to show Gamboa walking with his gun barrel pointed down, and not running until the other man began firing at him.
On Thursday, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office was granted a three-day extension to further investigate whether Gamboa would be charged or released with the case dismissed.
On Friday, the DA announced Gamboa would be released, on conditions including he return for court dates to be determined, as the investigation continued.
"After the preliminary review of evidence presented to the Salt Lake County District Attorney Office’s Homicide team, it was determined that we will not be able to make an informed decision by Monday at 5 p.m. as to the culpability, if any, as to Mr. Gamboa in relation to the fatal shooting of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo at the 'No Kings' Protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025," says the statement issued by the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office.
"The investigation will continue to be carried out by the Salt Lake City Police Department. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office will continue to review as additional evidence is presented to us. The terms of the release are outlined in the order."
Those conditions include that Gamboa must follow all Level 3 conditions with Pretrial Services, must maintain residence with his father and provide address and contact information with Pretrial Services, must not possess any firearm, and must turn in his passport to his attorney.
Gamboa could still face prosecution for murder or lesser charges, or all charges could be dropped. That determination will be made by the DA's office. Today's announcement just means the D.A.'s office believes it cannot complete its initial investigation before the latest deadline extension expires.
The name of the volunteer peacekeeper for the "No Kings" event has not been released. Salt Lake City Police have said it has not been determined if he will be charged because the investigation is ongoing.
SLCPD also released a statement after the announcement of Gamboa's temporary release from custody, asking anyone with additional information to come forward. It reads:
"Today, Friday June 20, 2025, detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Homicide Squad presented their initial findings from the ongoing investigation into the June 14, 2025 deadly shooting in downtown Salt Lake City to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office for legal review.
"This process, known as a case screening, is a key step in any criminal investigation. It serves to analyze legal issues, identify investigative needs, and ensures the matter is prepared for prosecution evaluation, all while detectives continue to investigate.
"The Salt Lake City Police Department urges anyone with information about this case, including video, to come forward. Digital evidence can be submitted directly through the SLCPD public evidence portal. If you need to speak with an officer, please call 801-799-3000.
"The Salt Lake City Police Department is actively investigating and coordinating with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. We recognize and appreciate the extensive work our detectives have dedicated to this case.
"To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the SLCPD cannot release any further information regarding the screening or comment on the material and information gathered in this case to date."
