Fact Check: Salt Lake City Police Recovered AR-15 Style Rifle, Gas Mask, and Backpack at Shooting Scene
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, a shooting incident occurred during the "No Kings" demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City. According to the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), officers responding to the scene discovered an AR-15-style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack in close proximity to the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa. The police report indicates that community members flagged down officers and pointed out the firearm, which was described as an AR-15-style rifle. Additionally, the police found a gas mask and black clothing nearby, which were also collected as evidence.
The incident resulted in the death of a bystander, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was not the intended target of the gunfire. The police stated that Gamboa had displayed suspicious behavior prior to the shooting, including pulling out the rifle and running toward the crowd while holding it in a firing position, which led to a peacekeeper firing at him in an attempt to prevent further harm (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Salt Lake City police recovered an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene of the shooting is supported by multiple credible sources. The SLCPD's official statement provides a detailed account of the events and the items recovered, making it a primary source of information. The police department's description of the scene and the items found aligns with reports from other news outlets, such as the Idaho Capital Sun and Spectrum News, which corroborate the details of the shooting and the subsequent recovery of the firearm and associated items.
The reliability of the SLCPD as a source is high, as it is the official law enforcement agency responsible for the investigation. Their statements are based on preliminary findings and are subject to further investigation, which adds a layer of credibility. Other media sources reporting on the incident also reference the police's findings, indicating a consensus on the key details of the event.
While there is always a possibility of bias in police reports, especially in high-profile cases, the corroboration from independent news outlets helps to mitigate concerns about the accuracy of the information presented by the SLCPD. The fact that multiple sources report the same findings strengthens the validity of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that Salt Lake City police recovered an AR-15 style rifle, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene of the shooting incident on June 14, 2025. The details provided by the SLCPD and corroborated by multiple news outlets confirm the accuracy of this information.
