The suspect arrested after the Salt Lake City “No Kings” protest shooting will remain in jail for another three days.
Arturo Gamboa has not been formally charged, but he was booked into county jail on suspicion of murder. A police affidavit accuses him of creating the situation that led to the death of a bystander, Arthur “Afa” Ah Loo. Salt Lake District Attorney Sim Gill requested the extension to have more time to review evidence. A judge agreed to the request.
Gamboa will now be held until June 23 at 5 p.m., and he doesn't have the option to post bail.
“This extension will allow the police to present their evidence at a formal screening scheduled for this Friday [June 20] and allow the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office sufficient time to review, analyze, and make an informed decision to any allegations of criminal wrongdoing,” Gill said in a statement.
During the June 14 protest, Gamboa was observed by two men self-identified as “peacekeepers” for the march, and later confirmed by organizers to be “safety volunteers.” The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. when the men said they spotted Gamboa, who was dressed in black, with a rifle, according to the affidavit. The two drew their handguns and claimed they ordered him to drop his weapon. They told police they thought Gamboa was going to cause harm. One of the volunteers fired his handgun three times, hitting both Gamboa and Ah Loo.
Gamboa did not fire his rifle.
The volunteers were initially detained Saturday night, but were let go. Their names have not been released publicly, and they are cooperating, according to police. The investigation includes whether the volunteer was justified in firing his weapon.
Gill had until June 19 to decide whether to file charges against Gamboa, release him or extend his hold.
“I ask for everyone’s patience,” Gill added in his statement. “When a person loses their life we are all impacted as a community. It is critical that we are thorough, accurate, and faithful to the truth. Arthur Afa Ah Loo’s family and our community of citizens deserve no less.”
