Bystander unintentionally killed by alleged peacekeeper at Salt Lake ‘No Kings Day’ event

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A peaceful protester was unintentionally shot and killed by an individual believed to be a designated peacekeeper during a “No Kings Day” protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday night.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said officers from the department’s Motor Squad heard gunfire around 8 p.m. near 100 South and 200 East. Additional officers quickly responded and found a man on the ground with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators said the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, was spotted by two men — believed to be designated peacekeepers — separating himself from the crowd during the march. The men reportedly observed Gamboa move behind a wall and pull out a rifle.

Police said Gamboa raised the weapon into a firing position and began charging toward the crowd. At that point, one of the alleged peacekeepers fired three rounds, striking both Gamboa and the bystander, Chief Redd said.

Two SWAT medics provided life-saving aid to the bystander before Salt Lake City firefighters and Gold Cross paramedics arrived to take over care. The identity of the man has not been released, pending notification of his family.

Police later located Gamboa hiding in a crowd of people with a minor gunshot wound. During his arrest, officers recovered an AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack. Gamboa was treated at a hospital for his injuries and then booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on murder.

Salt Lake City police are working with the District Attorney’s Office to investigate the incident and determine whether any additional charges will be filed.

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