A bystander was shot and killed during the “No Kings” protests in Salt Lake City on Saturday, The New York Times reports.
According to a police statement, officers confronted a man, later identified as Arturo Gamboa, 24, who was carrying an AR-15 rifle and running toward the crowd, taking a “shooting position.” Security personnel drew their weapons to engage him. During the exchange of gunfire, the suspect was wounded, and another bystander was fatally shot. Gamboa has been arrested and charged with murder.
“No Kings” Protests Against Perceived Authoritarianism
The “No Kings” protests in Salt Lake City and other U.S. cities aimed to oppose actions perceived as authoritarian by the Trump administration. Demonstrators gathered to express their objection to policies they believe harm civil liberties, including aggressive enforcement of immigration laws and the deployment of military forces against citizens.
Speakers at the rally reportedly criticized the administration for actions such as evading court orders, deporting American citizens, and using military personnel against peaceful protesters.
Tensions and Turnout
In Salt Lake City, the protests unfolded in a tense atmosphere where security and the presence of firearms were a primary concern, ultimately leading to the tragic incident. Meanwhile, officials in various cities reported that tens of thousands of people participated in these protests – more than 50,000 in New York and over 20,000 in Los Angeles.
