Large crowds gathered across multiple Utah cities for the 'No Kings' National Day of Protest on July 9, 2026. The nationwide demonstration follows a period of significant unrest in Salt Lake City, where a June 2025 demonstration of the same name resulted in a fatal shooting during a march downtown.
National Day of Protest
The 'No Kings' protest movement has seen significant activity in Utah, including the July 9 Nationally Day of Protest. Organizers coordinated the event through platforms such as Mobilize to facilitate rallies and volunteer efforts across various locations.
Fatal Shooting in Salt Lake City
The current demonstrations follow a violent incident that occurred during a similar 'No Kings' demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City on June 14, 2025. During that event, which drew an estimated 10,000 participants, a shooting took place near 151 South State Street.
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the incident began around 7:56 p.m. when officers heard gunfire. The confrontation involved members of the event's peacekeeping team and a man identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa.
Investigation of Armed Confrontation
Police investigators stated that the shooting resulted in the death of 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a Utah resident who was described as an innocent bystander.
During the investigation, detectives found Gamboa wearing black clothing and a mask near 102 South 200 East. Officers reported seeing an AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack near him. One peacekeeper told detectives that he saw Gamboa manipulating the rifle before running toward the crowd on State Street in a firing position, prompting the peacekeeper to fire three rounds.
Legal Proceedings
Following the June 2025 shooting, Arturo Gamboa was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a charge of murder. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that detectives were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the actions of the peacekeepers involved.
