Fact Check: Police recovered an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene of the shooting incident in Salt Lake City.

Fact Check: "Police recovered an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene of the shooting incident in Salt Lake City."

What We Know

On June 14, 2025, during a demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City, a shooting occurred that resulted in the death of a bystander, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) reported that they recovered an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene of the incident. The rifle was identified as being handled by a suspect, Arturo Gamboa, who was confronted by peacekeepers at the protest. Witnesses indicated that Gamboa had removed the rifle from the backpack before the confrontation escalated, leading to gunfire that ultimately injured him and killed Ah Loo.

Analysis

The claim that police recovered an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack is supported by multiple credible sources. The SLCPD's official update on the incident confirms the recovery of these items, stating that they were collected and processed by the SLCPD Crime Lab (source-1). Additionally, a report from the New York Times corroborates this information, noting that police recovered the same items during their investigation (source-2).

Other sources, such as KUTV and ABC7, also affirm the presence of these items at the scene, reinforcing the reliability of the information (source-3, source-4). The consistency across these reports suggests a high degree of reliability in the information provided by the SLCPD and subsequent news coverage.

It is important to note that while the SLCPD has provided preliminary information, the investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge. However, the initial reports from multiple reputable sources confirm the recovery of the rifle, gas mask, and backpack.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that police recovered an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene of the shooting incident in Salt Lake City is accurate. This conclusion is based on consistent reporting from multiple credible sources, including the SLCPD's official statements and various news articles covering the incident.

Sources

1. SLCPD Provides Update on Downtown Shooting Investigation
2. 1 Killed in Shooting at 'No Kings' Protest in Salt Lake City
3. Identity released of man killed by alleged peacekeeper at Salt Lake 'No ...
4. Protester shot and killed at 'No Kings' rally in Utah, police say
5. Man dies after being shot in chaotic scene at Salt Lake ...
6. Husband, father of 2 fatally shot during 'No Kings' rally in Utah ...
7. Protester shot and killed at 'No Kings' rally in Utah, police say - MSN
8. Salt Lake City 'No Kings' shooting: Bystander spotted man ...