Volunteer ‘peacekeeper’ shot ‘No Kings’ attendee dead at the last protest

Progressive watchdog group Public Citizen says its “No Kings” demonstrations are meant to defend democracy and protest what organizers name “government overreach.” However nationwide arrests, accidents and warnings about exterior agitators additional complicate that story.

In an interview with Fox Information Digital, Public Citizen co-chair Lisa Gilbert rejected solutions that the motion had turned violent, saying the purpose was to ship a message of unity somewhat than confrontation.

‘The concept that America is a democracy is basically small-democratic. It isn’t [the] Democrat [party]; that is not it [the] Republican [party]she stated. “It is the concept we’ve got a system based mostly on checks and balances, the place we perceive that our elected officers are accountable to us. And that our votes depend and matter.”

“At its core, that is what that is [“No Kings”] is all about. And why folks get out.”

Protesters at a protest in opposition to Trump’s insurance policies in Austin, Texas, June 14, 2025. (Reuters/Joel Angel Juarez)

BARE-BOTTOMED CYCLISTS ROLL IN THE RAIN TO SHOUT AT FEDS IN BLUE CITY’S LATEST ANTI-ICE STUNT

Nationwide protests, native violence

Whereas most “No Kings” demonstrations on June 14 had been peaceable, a handful turned violent, resulting in a number of arrests and a minimum of one loss of life. This Saturday, organizers say about 2,500 rallies are deliberate nationwide.

Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah

Arthur Folasa Ah Lavatory, 39, an harmless bystander and dressmaker who appeared on “Challenge Runway,” was fatally shot June 14 at a “No Kings” rally in Salt Lake Metropolis. Salt Lake Metropolis Police Chief Brian Redd stated the style designer was not the “meant goal.”

Arthur Folasa Ah Lavatory, a Samoan designer who appeared on “Challenge Runway,” was shot and killed throughout a “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah. (Afa Ah Lavatory by way of Instagram)

Redd stated the 39-year-old father of two was unintentionally shot by a peacekeeper in a neon vest who opened fireplace after a suspect, recognized as Arturo Gamboa, 24, ran towards the group with a rifle.

Austin, Texas

The Texas Division of Public Security (DPS) introduced that 9 folks had been arrested throughout “No Kings” protests in Austin on June 14. Based on the division, the march started on the Texas State Capitol earlier than transferring by means of downtown Austin because the Capitol grounds had been closed that night. DPS labored with officers from the Austin Police Division throughout the response.

The Division of Public Security (DPS) arrested the next people, all of whom had been booked into the Travis County Jail: Andrew Joseph Alemao, 37, for interference with public duties; Dorian Grey, 19, for misdemeanor graffiti; Daymon Micah Grubbs, 19, for disobeying a police officer; Christian Deun Johnson, 24, for disobeying a police officer, offering false identification and evading arrest; Henry T. Johnson, 23, for obstructing a passageway; Francisco Limon Juarez, 31, for felony trespass; Tyrone Germane Stafford, 44, for possession of marijuana; Brendan William Talbert, 24, for strolling on a roadway when sidewalks are current, assault on a peace officer, evading arrest and resisting arrest; and Esala Wueschner, 33, for felony trespass. (Texas Division of Public Security)

Riverside, California

Two folks had been arrested in reference to a crash throughout a “No Kings” protest in Southern California on June 14 that critically injured 21-year-old Alexa Carrasco, authorities stated.

Investigators say the motive force of the SUV drove towards protesters in Riverside, east of Los Angeles, and struck the lady. Carrasco was hospitalized in important situation, Riverside police stated.

Russell Alan Prentice, 58, of Riverside, was arrested on June 16, 2025 in reference to a “No Kings Day” collision in Riverside, California. (riverbank police)

Russell Alan Prentice, 58, was charged with one depend of assault with a lethal weapon, one depend of collision inflicting harm, and a particular cost of inflicting nice bodily hurt to the sufferer.

Ocala, FL

Based on Ocala police, three folks – two males and one girl – had been arrested throughout the “No Kings” demonstrations in Ocala on June 14.

The three taken into custody in Ocala had been recognized as Stephen Libardoni, 60, who was arrested for battery after allegedly pushing a protester; Michael Loren, 47, who was arrested for battery and gun possession by a convicted felon after police say he pushed a protester whereas carrying brass knuckles; and Alexandra Krolman, 35, who was arrested for battery after allegedly hitting somebody with a cardboard signal. (WOFL-TV/FOX 35)

See also  President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump head to Texas following floods

The people taken into custody had been recognized as Stephen Libardoni, 60, who was arrested for battery after allegedly pushing a protester; Michael Loren, 47, who was arrested for battery and gun possession by a convicted felon after police say he pushed a protester whereas carrying brass knuckles; and Alexandra Krolman, 35, who was arrested for battery after allegedly hitting somebody with a cardboard signal.

Culpeper, Virginia

Joseph R. Checklick Jr., 21, was arrested in Culpeper, Virginia, after allegedly driving his SUV right into a crowd of “No Kings” protesters on June 14, authorities stated.

The incident occurred when protesters dispersed close to 801 James Madison Freeway and crossed a enterprise car parking zone, Culpeper police stated. Police say Checklick “deliberately drove his automobile into the dispersing crowd,” hanging a minimum of one particular person.

Culpeper police arrested and charged Joseph Checklick Jr. of reckless driving. (The Culpeper Police Division)

On the time of the arrest, no accidents had been reported to police, and the id of the person hit was not launched. Checklick was charged with reckless driving and later launched on $4,000 bail.

‘No Kings’ Leaders Defend Protest Safety Efforts

Though Gilbert stated organizers “cannot police each particular person,” she claimed Public Citizen gives security coaching and steerage.

“We can’t be deterred by the militarization they bring about. We should be prepared to face up; silence shouldn’t be an possibility,” she stated. “And so peacefully protesting is our First Modification proper and what we intend to do. We’re taking precautions to make sure that our occasions are as protected as potential. Clearly you may’t police everybody, however we’re offering coaching [sessions] and shield folks in each means potential.”

“However at their core, these occasions are peaceable, and that is the purpose. The violence would not come from the ‘No Kings’ occasions; the violence comes from militarized actions and masked officers roaming our streets to terrorize communities. That does not come from protesters.”

A parade participant carries a poster that reads “Say No To Kings” throughout the 2025 New York Metropolis Pleasure March on June 29, 2025 in New York Metropolis. (Manoli Figetakis/Getty Photos)

PROTEST OF NO KINGS COULD ATTRACT PAID Agitators AND FOREIGN INFLUENCE, CROWD-FOR-HIRE CEO WARNED

However at the same time as these occasions name into query the “peaceable” framework, one other variable looms: the potential of paid agitators or exterior provocateurs. Adam Swart, CEO of Crowds on Demand, warned that “No Kings” is inclined to such infiltration.

Swart informed Fox Information Digital that demonstrations are sometimes co-opted by teams that “monetize the chaos,” somewhat than actions based mostly on private perception.

“My concern is that there are forces — some home, some maybe overseas — that really wish to tear America aside,” he stated.

WATCH: Crowd-for-hire CEO calls ‘No Kings’ protest a ‘dud’ and warns in opposition to exterior agitators

Swart’s firm declined any involvement in “No Kings,” calling it “a dud within the making,” however burdened that protests can resemble respectable grassroots occasions whereas harboring hidden provocateurs.

Organizers like Gilbert defend their strategy, saying they embrace risk monitoring, on-line vetting, volunteer safety groups, nonviolence coaching and coordination to determine suspicious conduct.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Stepheny Worth of Fox Information Digital contributed to this report.