One Dead in Salt Lake City Protest Shooting After Gunfire Erupts at ‘No Kings’ Rally

A person is dead after they were struck by crossfire during an incident at a “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday, police have confirmed.

A 39-year-old man is dead after being struck by crossfire during a shooting at a “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday evening, authorities confirmed.

Salt Lake City police responded to reports of gunfire near 151 South State Street shortly before 8 p.m., after officers in the area heard multiple shots. When they arrived at the scene, they found a man critically injured by a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Police said the shooting began when a person acting as private security at the protest fired at a man identified as Arturo Gamboa, who was reportedly carrying an AR-15 rifle. Gamboa was struck by gunfire and taken into custody. The man who died was caught in the crossfire between the security individual and Gamboa.

Surveillance footage from a Utah Department of Transportation camera captured moments surrounding the shooting. In the silent video, protestors can be seen walking through the downtown area carrying signs. Two individuals—one wearing a bright yellow vest—are seen running as the crowd scatters. Police vehicles quickly arrived at the scene, and officers moved in to restore order.

Initially, authorities believed four individuals were involved in the shooting. After interviewing witnesses, officers apprehended one of the suspects near 200 East 100 South. In total, three people were taken into custody. Among them was the suspected shooter, who also sustained a gunshot wound, according to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd.

Officials stated there are no additional suspects at large and no ongoing threat to the public. Investigators are continuing to determine the motive and timeline of the incident.

Saturday’s protest was part of the nationwide “No Kings” movement, organized to coincide with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Demonstrators gathered to express opposition to authoritarianism and centralized power.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence, calling the shooting and other similar acts across the nation “horrific.” She emphasized the importance of public safety, particularly during peaceful demonstrations.

“We deserve to feel safe, especially when exercising our First Amendment rights,” she said. “Thank you to the Salt Lake City Police Department for their quick action tonight to protect lives and support those marching peacefully. My heart is with you, SLC. We’ll get through this.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox echoed the sentiment, calling the shooting a “deeply troubling act of violence” and affirming that it has “no place in our public square.”

Authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as the investigation remains active.