SALT LAKE CITY — A man could face a murder charge related to the death of a bystander during a recent protest, despite not firing any shots himself. On June 14, approximately 10,000 individuals marched through downtown Salt Lake City in a demonstration honoring the “No Kings” movement when the incident unfolded. Authorities reported that an individual identified as a “peacekeeper” fired upon another suspect using an AR-15 style rifle, which tragically struck and killed an innocent bystander.
Police have named Arturo Gamboa as the suspect linked to the chaos. Arrest documents allege that Gamboa “knowingly engaged in conduct that creates a grave risk of death” when he ran into the crowd while armed. This reckless behavior is cited as a contributing factor in the death of the bystander, prompting law enforcement officials to pursue a murder charge against him.
According to court documents, witnesses observed Gamboa entering the protest area with an assault-style weapon right before the shots rang out. He has since been detained and booked at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a murder charge.
Utah Attorney Clayton Simms discussed Gamboa’s potential legal consequences. He stated that investigators will thoroughly examine evidence, including security footage and social media activity, to discern Gamboa’s motivations for bringing a weapon into a crowded environment. “If he is found to have committed an offense that led directly to someone’s death, he could face felony murder charges,” Simms noted.
The identity of the peacekeeper who discharged the firearm remains undisclosed. This individual, described as wearing a high-visibility green vest, claimed to be part of a volunteer peacekeeping team, which was not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. One other armed peacekeeper was also taken into custody, further complicating the situation. Simms emphasized that a complete investigation is required before considering additional charges against anyone involved.
“The legal standing of the person who fired the shots is pivotal,” Simms remarked. “They are viewed as an ordinary citizen, which means their potential charges could range from serious to defense-based arguments, like self-defense or defense of others.”
Witness accounts are essential in piecing together the events of that day. The peacekeepers involved stated they were there to promote safety during the protest, but their exact relationship to the gathering remains unclear. Simms pointed out that while self-defense is permissible under Utah law, simply holding a peacekeeper title does not afford any special legal protections.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and provide their insights by reaching out to local law enforcement.
As investigations continue, the city remains on edge, grappling with the implications of violence amidst peaceful demonstrations. The blend of social activism and the unpredictability of armed involvement in such events raises vital questions about safety and accountability in public gatherings.