Latest news with #50501Movement
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Anti-Trump Protests Update: 'National Day of Action' Planned for July 17
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Another round of national anti-Trump demonstrations is being planned across the U.S. for July 17 under the banner of Good Trouble Lives On, a reference to the late civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis. Newsweek contacted Good Trouble Lives On for comment via email on Friday outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters On June 14,anti-Trump "No Kings" protests took place in cities across the United States on Trump's 79th birthday, which also saw the president attend a military parade in Washington D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The protests took place in hundreds of U.S. cities, with large-scale gatherings reported in major hubs such as Philadelphia; Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and New York. According to analysis by pollster G. Elliott Morris, they were attended by an estimated 4 to 6 million people. What To Know Good Trouble Lives On demonstrations are being planned for dozens of American cities on July 17 including the likes of New York, Washington D.C, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco with attendees invited to "March in Peace, Act in Power." The name is a reference to Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and an advocate of peaceful protests, who famously called for "good trouble" during the civil rights era. Anti-Trump "No Kings" demonstrators pictured in Los Angeles on June 14. Anti-Trump "No Kings" demonstrators pictured in Los Angeles on June 14. Jay L Clendenin/GETTY According to its downloadable "Host Toolkit" for organizers, the protests have three main goals. These are demanding an end to "the extreme crackdown on civil rights by the Trump administration," "the attacks on Black and brown Americans, immigrants, trans people, and other communities," and "the slashing of programs that working people rely on, including Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security." Good Trouble Lives On is being supported by a range of other groups including the 50501 Movement, which also helped organize the "No Kings" demonstrations. The 50501 Movement, short for "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement" was formed in January 2025 to protest Trump and has been involved in organizing a series of national demonstrations beginning on February 5. A series of "No Kings on Presidents Day" rallies took place on February 17 followed by "Hands Off" demonstrations in April and May criticizing federal layoffs and immigration crackdowns. What People Are Saying Speaking to Newsweek, Lorella Praeli, co-president of Community Change Action, which has backed anti-Trump demonstrations, said: "Look around—Trump and his allies are deploying the tools of authoritarianism: silencing dissent, targeting immigrants, punishing oversight, and even staging military displays for personal glorification. These aren't isolated incidents; they're part of a broader effort to delegitimize democratic norms." On its website, Good Trouble Lives On, which "is a national day of action to respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration," wrote: "We are facing the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations. Whether you're outraged by attacks on voting rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearance of our neighbors, or the assault on free speech and our right to protest—this movement is for you. "Trump is trying to divide us but we know the power of coming together." What Happens Next It remains to be seen how many people will turn out for the "Good Trouble Lives On" demonstrations and what the organizers plan next.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
National 50501 Movement no longer affiliated with Salt Lake group after fatal shooting
SALT LAKE CITY — Organizers of the national 50501 Movement on Thursday announced they are disassociating themselves with the Salt Lake City affiliate following the fatal shooting of an innocent bystander by 'peacekeeper' volunteers of the group. 'We are unable to release any further information at this time as this is still an active legal investigation. To reiterate, we are decentralized. Each local group is autonomous, and they are responsible for their planning. Due to SLC 50501's disregard for our nonnegotiable values, we are no longer affiliated with them,' the national group announced Thursday on Facebook and other social media. On Saturday, about 8 p.m., as an estimated 10,000 people were marching on State Street, two men who police say described themselves as part of the 'peacekeeping' group for the rally spotted 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa near 151 S. State. One of the men says he watched Gamboa move away from the main crowd to a secluded area behind a wall. 'The peacekeepers found this behavior to be suspicious and kept Arturo in view. One of the peacekeepers observed Arturo remove an AR-15 style rifle from a backpack he was carrying. He observed Arturo begin to manipulate the rifle, and they called out to him to drop the gun after drawing their own firearms. Arturo then lifted the rifle, and according to witnesses he began to run toward the large crowd gathered on State Street holding the rifle in a firing position,' a police booking affidavit states. Police say Gamboa did not fire a shot during the confrontation with rally volunteers. But one of the two men who confronted him fired three rounds from his own handgun and injured Gamboa and also killed an innocent bystander, 39-year-old Arthur Folasa 'Afa' Ah Loo. Gamboa was arrested for investigation of murder. As of Thursday, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office said it was still considering formal charges. The so-called 'peacekeepers' were not arrested, but their cases will also be screened by the district attorney's office. Sarah Parker, a national coordinator for 50501, told CNN right after the incident that volunteer peacekeeping teams are common for protests. She said organizers ask attendees, including the peacekeepers, not to bring weapons. Still, Parker said the two men in Salt Lake City stopped what could have been a larger mass casualty event. 'Our safety team did as best as they could in a situation that is extremely sad and extremely scary,' Parker said. On Thursday, however, the group issued a new statement saying that 'in the immediate aftermath, amid heartbreak and confusion, our early statements included inaccuracies shaped by fast-moving and incomplete information. We acknowledge those mistakes, and we deeply regret any additional harm they may have caused to Arturo.' The group now says the Salt Lake City 50501 organizers did not live up to national standards. 'The presence of weapons and any action that endangers lives stands in direct opposition to the values we uphold. We feel deep anguish that harm unfolded in a space connected to our name and vision,' the national group stated. 'While we do not permit firearms at 50501 protests, we recognize that Utah law permits the open carry of weapons, and this reality shaped some of the events that unfolded. 'As we mourn Afa's loss, we are taking deliberate steps to ensure that the name 50501 continues to reflect the values we hold sacred: disciplined, accountable and life-affirming. Our commitment to building a movement rooted in truth, nonviolence and the inherent dignity of al people remains unchanged,' the group said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Peacekeeper' involved in shooting at SLC ‘No Kings' protest is a military veteran, organizers say
People take cover after gunshots rang out during the 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) As questions continue to circle around the 'peacekeepers' acting as armed security at the 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday, when police say a man inadvertently shot and killed a bystander, protest organizers issued a statement Tuesday saying the 'safety volunteer' who was involved is a 'military veteran.' 'During the protest an individual was spotted holding an AR-15 style weapon,' organizers with Utah 50501 said in the prepared statement provided to Utah News Dispatch on Tuesday. 'Our team of safety volunteers, who have been selected because of their military, first responder, and other relevant de-escalation experience, believed that there was an imminent threat to the protesters and took action.' Utah 50501 is a state chapter of the 50501 Movement, a grassroots group that organizes rallies to protest actions by President Donald Trump and his administration. According to Salt Lake City police, the shooting happened after two men described as 'peacekeepers' confronted another man, 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who was carrying an AR-15 style rifle. One of the men, reportedly part of the event's security team, fired three shots from a handgun, grazing Gamboa but also hitting an 'innocent bystander,' Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was pronounced dead at a hospital. Beloved Utah fashion designer's friends remember his life and his last moments Shortly after the shooting, police arrested Gamboa, and he was booked into jail for investigation of murder. Police say, however, that Gamboa did not fire his rifle. The two 'peacekeepers,' who wore high-visability vests, were initially detained by police, but were released after being questioned. Police said the man who fired the three shots is cooperating with investigators. 'The safety volunteer who responded to the individual (holding the rifle) and who was questioned by police is a military veteran,' the Utah 50501 statement said. 'The person currently in custody was apprehended thanks to a protester who saw the rifle and brought it to police attention.' In the statement, Utah 50501 organizers also expressed 'profound heartbreak' for the death of Ah Loo. 'We are mourning Afa Ah Loo with everything we have, and we are holding his family and friends in our hearts,' the statement said. 'Afa's name, courage, and commitment to his people will never be forgotten. We express our dearest and deepest sympathy to all those who knew and loved him.' The protests' organizers also noted the investigation into the shooting is 'still currently ongoing. At this time SLCPD has not chosen to charge any of the volunteers.' Salt Lake City police are investigating the shooting, but the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office will ultimately decide charges. As of Tuesday, no charges had been filed against Gamboa or anyone else involved in the shooting. The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office has declined to say whether prosecutors are considering filing any charges against the 'peacekeepers' who were involved in the shooting. Man dies after being shot in chaotic scene at Salt Lake City's 'No Kings' protest 'This continues to be an active investigation by the SLCPD that is yet to be screened by our office, which is not uncommon or of concern as we remain so early into the criminal inquiry,' Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said in a prepared statement issued Tuesday. 'When the gathered evidence is presented to our office and homicide team, we will have a better understanding of facts, evidence and any chargeable decision,' Gill continued. 'Until then any conjecture would be purely speculative, inaccurate and inappropriate.' Gill urged Utahns to 'be patient and let law enforcement finish their work.' He also asked anyone 'who may have evidence or may be witnesses to contact and share that information with the SLCPD.' He referred to a link to the Salt Lake City Police Department's website, where evidence can be submitted online. In the days following the chaotic shooting, unanswered questions remain, including more details of who the 'peacekeepers' were and how they were vetted to be acting as armed security. Questions also remain regarding Gamboa's intentions and why he brought a rifle to the protest. As Utahns grieve Ah Loo's death, some have applauded actions by the 'peacekeepers' to prevent what could have been a mass shooting, while others have questioned whether the armed man who shot at Gamboa and inadvertently fatally struck Ah Loo acted appropriately. The Utah 50501 statement provided Tuesday offered a bit more information about who the protest's organizers said served as 'safety volunteers,' including that the people selected had 'military, first responder, and other relevant de-escalation experience,' and that the man involved was a 'military veteran.' However, other questions remain unanswered, including the ages of the two 'peacekeepers' that were involved in the shooting, how they were vetted, and how many of them present at the protest were armed. The Utah News Dispatch on Monday sent emails to both national and local organizers asking those questions and others. On Tuesday, Utah organizers pointed to the prepared statement and declined to provide interviews at this time. 'The organizers genuinely want to engage with the public but we have to balance the public's need for transparency with the participant's legal and psychological health,' the organizers said in an email. Utah 50501 organizers have drawn some criticism over the shooting, including from other local activist groups. The group Armed Queers SLC, which describes itself as an 'LGBTQ organization dedicated to the defense, and success, of oppressed people's movements,' posted a statement on its Instagram story saying 'we are still shocked at how the events unraveled' at the protest. 'Armed Queers takes gun ownership and its use for defense of our communities very seriously, and reject the way this situation was handled,' the group said. 'This event resulted in a direct loss of life that could have been avoided, and other measures should have been in place for proper de-escalation before openly shooting into a vulnerable crowd.' Armed Queers, the statement said, 'had no involvement in the planning' of Salt Lake City's 'No Kings' protest, adding that though some members attended, 'Armed Queers was given very little information about this event or our role in it.' 'We were asked to work as extra members of 50501's de-escalation team 2 days before the event,' their statement added. 'We agreed to participate because the organizers were concerned about agitators, but we were given very few details and transparency about the de-escalation plan.' The group said its members 'worked as a 'secondary de-escalation' team, and had no real interaction with agitators, or coordination with the event organizers while fulfilling that role.' It noted that no Armed Queers members were wearing high-visability vests, and no Armed Queers were 'part of any escalation of events.' 'One of Armed Queers' founding principles is 'The abolition of prisons and police as they serve as nothing but tools of capitalist oppression.' We completely reject any collaboration with the police or efforts by the state to celebrate certain protest movements, while repressing others,' the Armed Queers statement added. 'We were only made aware of any information being shared with the police when public videos had surfaced of 50501's team.' The group added that they grieve 'the killing of Afa Ah Loo. His life was unjustly cut short, and our hearts are with his family and his community.' Organizers with the national 50501 Movement have said they discourage people from bringing firearms to protests. 'In the face of this heartbreaking situation, we would like to affirm our commitment to nonviolence and to our non-negotiable prohibition of firearms policy for anyone representing 50501 at any of our actions or events,' organizers with the national 50501 Movement said in a Facebook post Monday. 'It is clear we do not have a complete understanding of what happened yet. What is certain is that, if no guns were present at the protest, this tragedy would have been prevented altogether.' Utah, however, is a 'constitutional carry' state, which means its laws allow the open and concealed carrying of firearms without a permit for those who are legally allowed to possess them. In 2021, with HB60, the Republican-controlled Utah Legislature eliminated the state's concealed carry permit requirements. Now, anyone 21 and over who can legally possess a gun is free to carry it loaded and hidden in public. Unlike 26 other states, Utah has not adopted a law prohibiting carrying long guns at state capitols or political protests, according to Everytown Research & Policy, an organization that produces research on gun violence and advocates for gun violence prevention. The group has ranked Utah as No. 36 in the country for 'gun law strength.' Salt Lake City Police spokesperson Brent Weisberg said in a lengthy statement issued Monday that police are continuing to investigate the 'peacekeepers' involvement, as well as other aspects of the protest's organization and staffing. He said neither of the two men identified as 'peacekeepers' involved in the shooting were 'current or former members of law enforcement, including the Salt Lake City Police Department.' Police investigating 'peacekeepers' role in fatal shooting at 'No Kings' protest in Utah 'While Utah law governs when and how a person may carry and use a firearm, the lawfulness of any individual's possession or use depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case,' Weisberg said. Weisberg said it 'remains unclear whether these individuals were hired by or volunteered for the event organizers, or acted on their own initiative.' He also noted that the term 'peacekeeper' does not 'represent any formal designation recognized by the Salt Lake City Police Department or the City,' and that there was 'no record in the event's permit indicating the presence of organized or armed security.' He said the 'peacekeeping' term was how the volunteer questioned by police 'self-identified.' 'While the Salt Lake City Police Department was aware that Saturday's demonstration would include people in support roles, such as those helping to marshal or guide the crowd, these functions are entirely internal to the event,' Weisberg said. 'They are not overseen, sanctioned, or trained by the Salt Lake City Police Department. From the department's standpoint, these persons are considered members of the public, subject to the same rights and responsibilities as any other person in Utah.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
Man who fired at gunman and killed Utah ‘No Kings' protester was a safety volunteer, organizers say
SALT LAKE CITY — A military veteran who was trying to stop an alleged gunman and inadvertently shot and killed a demonstrator at a Salt Lake City 'No Kings' rally was a 'safety volunteer' for the demonstration, according to police and organizers. The safety volunteer fired three rounds at Arturo Gamboa, 24, who had allegedly brandish a rifle at the crowd, hitting both Gamboa and a protester on Saturday, police said. Gamboa never shot the rifle, but was arrested on a murder charge and accused of creating the dangerous situation Saturday that led to the death of protester Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, police said. It's still unclear what Gamboa intended to do with the rifle. The investigation includes whether the man who shot Gamboa and Ah Loo was justified in firing his gun, the Salt Lake City Police Department said Monday. Police haven't identified the veteran publicly, but protest organizers said late Monday that he was part of a 'safety team' meant to help maintain order. Police said that the permit for the protest did not specify that there would be armed security, and that the role and responsibilities of event staff were being investigated. The protest of some 10,000 was otherwise peaceful. Here's what is known so far about the shooting: Hundreds of protesters were marching through downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday when, around 8 p.m., the veteran and another man said they spotted Gamboa, who was wearing all black clothing, move behind a wall and withdraw a rifle from a backpack, according to a news release from police. The two men drew their handguns and ordered Gamboa to drop the rifle, but witnesses said he instead moved toward the crowd and held his rifle in a 'firing position,' according to police. The safety volunteer shot three rounds, hitting Gamboa and Ah Loo. Gamboa's wound was relatively minor and he was arrested nearby by police, who found a rifle, gas mask and backpack in the area. Ah Loo died after being taken to a hospital. Police said they don't yet know why Gamboa carried a rifle or disobeyed the orders from the two men. The Associated Press could not immediately find an attorney listed for Gamboa or contact information for his family in public records. The Utah chapter of 50501 Movement, which helped organize the 'No Kings' protest, said in a statement late Monday that the man who confronted Gamboa was a 'safety volunteer' and a military veteran. The group did not give further details on the person's training or explain why he was armed. 'Our team of safety volunteers, who have been selected because of their military, first responder, and other relevant de-escalation experience, believed there was an imminent threat to the protestors and took action,' the group said in a statement. For the 'No Kings' protests, all attendees, including those in safety roles, are asked not to bring weapons, said Sarah Parker, a national coordinator for 50501 Movement. Ah Loo was a successful fashion designer and former 'Project Runway' contestant who devoted his life to celebrating artists from the Pacific Islands. Benjamin Powell, a friend of Ah Loo's, said the designer was born in Samoa but lived in Utah for about a decade. Ah Loo, who was a self-taught designer known to many as Afa, devoted his life to doing 'good things for his neighbors and community,' state Rep. Verona Mauga, a close friend, told the Associated Press. Their families were from the small village of Lotopa in Samoa, she said. The 39-year-old leaves behind a wife and two young children, according to a GoFundMe page for his family. Powell said he and Ah Loo were working on an upcoming August fashion show, which Powell said will now honor Ah Loo's unwavering commitment to his community. Bedayn and Schoenbaum write for the Associated Press.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Who is behind the "No Kings" protests? How a Colorado man started a group that helps organize millions
Organizers say millions of people participated in "No Kings" protests across the nation on Saturday — but how did these events come to be? American Opposition, which is based in Colorado, is one of the main organizations behind many recent nationwide protests, including the "No Kings" demonstrations protesting the Trump administration. Carlos Álvarez-Aranyos founded the group and most recently helped lead this weekend's march in Los Angeles. "I had never seen anything like it in that city, and to lead them in that march was probably the greatest honor of my life," Álvarez-Aranyos said. Participants in a "No Kings" protest carried signs in Denver on Saturday, June 14, 2025. CBS Most of Álvarez-Aranyos' work begins in Boulder, Colorado, where he founded American Opposition in January. The group's call to action on its website is to "stand against" fascism, but the messages from participants at each protest vary. "We know that the country is in existential trouble, and we're fighting to defend it, and ultimately to save it, because it's our country. It's not a politician's country," Álvarez-Aranyos said. Álvarez-Aranyos explained that American Opposition works alongside protest organization groups like the 50501 Movement and Indivisible to coordinate their efforts in planning and tracking protests in cities across the country. He also says participation has more than doubled since one of their previously organized national protests in April. But even as his work centers around calling for national change, Álvarez-Aranyos stresses that he still supports American values. "I come at this from the immigrants' appreciation of how great this country is, how lucky we are. I think one of the things that's happened is that the American people became complacent based on our prosperity, and now we're remembering that this work, this protection, this democracy thing is a participatory event. We have to show up," Álvarez-Aranyos said. As protest participation grows, Álvarez-Aranyos says organizing has become a full-time volunteer effort. And with a national spotlight — including a critical tweet from Elon Musk in April — Álvarez-Aranyos says that safety and security have also become a personal concern. American Opposition has received almost $13,000 in donations since its start in January, data from the Federal Election Commission shows. One was for $1,000, two were for $500 each, and the remaining $10,979 is unitemized in the federal database. Álvarez-Aranyos told CBS News Colorado that they only fundraise on their website and ActBlue and have never received a donation larger than $2,000. He said they don't have any large donors but joked that he'd love one. This weekend's protests were largely peaceful. In Denver, organizer Jennifer Bradley with Colorado's chapter of the 50501 Movement estimates close to 20,000 people were in attendance. The group's name, 50501, stands for 50 states, 50 protests, and one movement. The group also came up with the phrase "No Kings." The main issues and slogans written by protesters on signs and flags are also varied, but Bradley said that in Colorado, a focus of Denver participants was immigration issues. "There's a lot of eyes on us, because Colorado is so unique that we won't cooperate with ICE, unlike other states, and so unique that the people are rising up immediately to speak for the immigrant community, because we know how important they are to what makes Colorado what it is," Bradley said. Both Bradley and Álvarez-Aranyos described their protest experience during the day as joyful. "I have the chance to stand up for somebody. And that is, to me, one of the biggest gifts, is to be able to lift someone up," Bradley said. However, there were still late-night clashes with police after the official march had ended. Denver police report six separate marches continued through the evening, leading to arrests. Officers used loudspeakers announcing that the protesters couldn't enter the highway, video from CBS Colorado's crews and witnesses shows, but DPD said protesters attempted to physically push through the police line. Police declared an unlawful assembly and deployed pepper balls and smoke to try and disperse the crowd. Bradley said that the local chapter trains volunteers on de-escalation tactics and brings safety leaders and medics to events in an effort to maintain peace. But she acknowledged that the actions of a crowd, especially after the planned event ends, can be difficult to control. Still, plans for future protests are already in the works. Bradley and Álvarez-Aranyos said they are already looking at another nationwide protest, tentatively for July 4. Álvarez-Aranyos explained that the group plans to continue choosing significant American political holidays as protests continue. "All of us, coming together. And like that is the — that is the American Dream, protecting the American Dream. And how cool is that?" Álvarez-Aranyos said. President Trump did not address the weekend protests during the military parade he attended in Washington on Saturday to mark the Army's 250th anniversary.
