Judge approves jail hold extension for man being held in connection to deadly SLC protest shooting

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah man is being held in jail after the shooting death of a peaceful protester in Salt Lake City on Saturday, even though the man never fired a shot. Thursday marked the deadline for law enforcement to either charge or release him, but the plan changed.

According to court documents, a judge granted a three-day extension, meaning prosecutors now have until Monday at 5 p.m. to charge or release the man in question, 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa.

Utah District Attorney Sim Gill said his office requested an extension because it had not yet received a “formal screening of the evidence associated with the charge of murder.”

Gamboa was booked on suspicion of murder charges after he allegedly pulled out an automatic assault rifle and began “manipulating it” during a “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday. A safety volunteer believed he posed an “imminent threat” to the crowd and fired shots at Gamboa, according to event organizers.

One shot grazed Gamboa’s side, while another hit 39-year-old Afa Ah Loo, ultimately killing him.

Gamboa was found by law enforcement ducking for cover alongside many others trying to flee to safety. Witnesses huddling near him realized he was likely the man in question and pointed out his location to officers nearby. Gamboa surrendered and was immediately taken into custody.

On Tuesday, Gill stressed the importance of making an informed decision on how to proceed with allegations of criminal wrongdoing.

“I ask for everyone’s patience. When a person loses their life we are all impacted as a community,” he said. “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.”

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This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.