Hey there, let’s break down what went down in Salt Lake City on Saturday night. It’s a heavy one, but you deserve the full story.
⚡ What Happened?
Picture this: A massive crowd of 10,000 people is marching through downtown Salt Lake City chanting “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA.” The vibe? Mostly peaceful, families included. Then, at 7:56 p.m., gunshots ring out near 151 South State Street. Chaos erupts.
Witnesses describe a man in a neon vest—likely a protest peacekeeper—spotting 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa peeling away from the crowd, pulling an AR-15-style rifle from behind a wall. Gamboa raises the weapon and charges toward the marchers. The peacekeeper fires three shots.
Tragically, one bullet hit an innocent bystander—a 39-year-old protester holding a sign. Another struck Gamboa in the arm.
😢 The Victim
The victim collapsed face-first on State Street 5. A trauma nurse fought through police to perform CPR, but it was too late. The man died Sunday in the hospital. Police confirm he was not the target—just someone standing in the wrong place when bullets flew.
🔍 The Suspect
Gamboa tried hiding in the panicked crowd but was caught minutes later near 200 East 100 South. Cops found his rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack. He’d never been charged with a crime before—just two speeding tickets.
Now, he’s in jail facing murder charges.
Key Details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | 39-year-old peaceful protester, unintended target |
| Suspect | Arturo Gamboa, 24; charged with murder |
| Weapon | AR-15-style rifle |
| Peacekeepers | Detained but released; cooperated with police |
| Police Role | No officers fired shots |
✊ The Protest Context
This wasn’t random violence. The “No Kings” march was part of a national day of action against Trump administration policies—like immigration raids and military parades. Earlier, speakers in Pioneer Park had stressed nonviolence. As protester Sarah Morton put it:
“I’m a mom. I was peacefully protesting politics I think are inhuman… Let’s not let fear rule us. I’ll be at the next protest”.
👮 Police Response & Fallout
Cops flooded the scene within seconds. SWAT medics worked to save the victim while officers chased Gamboa into a parking garage shouting “Gunman!”.
Chief Brian Redd called it “sudden and alarming” but stressed SLC’s protests are usually safe. Gov. Spencer Cox condemned the “deeply troubling act of violence”.
❓ What’s Next?
- Gamboa’s motive is still unknown. Was it politically driven? Personal? Cops aren’t sure yet 4.
- The peacekeeper who fired the shots isn’t charged but could be later. The DA’s office is reviewing 8.
- Police ask anyone with footage to upload it to their evidence portal 1.
💬 The Bigger Picture
This hit hard after a Minnesota lawmaker was killed hours earlier in another attack. Salt Lake’s march was one of hundreds nationwide—most peaceful, but a grim reminder that guns + crowds = unpredictable chaos.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall put it best:
“This act of violence does not define our city”.
Stay safe out there, folks. If you saw anything, reach out to SLCPD. We’ll update as more unfolds.
Sources: SLCPD | Salt Lake Tribune | KUTV | ABC4