On Saturday, June 14th, Arturo Gamboa was attending the "No Kings" protest in downtown Salt Lake City. He was there armed, within his legal rights, and peacefully protesting. During the event, the "peacekeepers" hired by Utah 50501 to control the crowds at the event opened fire on the crowd, shooting both Arturo and Arthur "Afa" Folasa Ah Loo who was tragically killed by the stray bullet.

Due to the tragic loss of life, Arturo was unjustly arrested and is currently being held by Salt Lake County sheriffs department. They are holding him regardless of the fact that his weapon was never fired, his gun barrel was never pointed anywhere but the ground, and the bullet that tragically caused the death of Ah Loo was fired from the gun held by hired "peacekeeper".

Open-carrying is a common practice for Arturo. He has done so at several protests in the past without conflict, and when asked to protest without any weapons, he has respected that request because at his core, all he cares about was being present to support the causes he believes in.

There are multiple eyewitness and video accounts showing that he was not instigating, simply walking peacefully alongside the protest. Prior to the shots being fired, there were little to no attempts at de-escalating the situation.

Although bringing a weapon to a peaceful protest is a questionable decision, that decision was a completely legal choice and should not permanently change the course of his life.

Simply put, Arturo had no idea he was being targeted prior to the shots being fired.

Arturo is described by friends and loved ones as a "gentle giant", and a kind and caring soul who attended the protests because he truly believes in the power of people to change the world. He is an active participant in the local political space and has been for many years. His friends and family all love him dearly and want to ensure his safe return to them.

The funds raised from this campaign will go to help support Arturo and his family with legal expenses as they try to fight to get Arturo's freedom, and clear his name of all wrongdoing.

They have a long and arduous fight ahead of them, and will need as much help as possible to fully recover from this tragic event.

Ah Loo was a local father, and proud Samoan fashion designer and we are deeply saddened by the loss of his life. The Gofundme for Afa's family is linked please consider donating to them as well to help cover the costs of this unexpected tragedy.

Gamboa Legal Fund