Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer and former “Project Runway” contestant, was fatally shot during a “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Police confirmed that Ah Loo, who went by “Afa,” was an innocent bystander who was not the intended target of the gunfire.
The shooting occurred around 7:56 p.m. at 151 South State Street during a demonstration attended by an estimated 10,000 participants protesting President Donald Trump and his policies. The event utilized a “peacekeeping team” comprised of volunteers wearing high-visibility neon green vests, some of whom were armed with handguns.
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, two peacekeepers observed 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa behaving suspiciously as he moved away from the crowd into a secluded area behind a wall. The peacekeepers watched as Gamboa, dressed in all-black clothing and wearing a black mask, pulled an AR-15-style rifle from his backpack and began manipulating it.
When the peacekeepers drew their firearms and ordered Gamboa to drop his weapon, he instead lifted the rifle into a firing position and ran toward the crowd on State Street. One of the peacekeepers fired three rounds in response. One bullet struck Gamboa while another fatally wounded Ah Loo.
First responders, including two Salt Lake City Police Department SWAT team members who also serve as paramedics, immediately provided emergency medical care to Ah Loo. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. Gamboa was also taken to the hospital for treatment before being booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a murder charge.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said that “our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed.” The incident caused panic as hundreds of demonstrators ran for safety, hiding in parking garages and nearby businesses.
Ah Loo was a celebrated Samoan fashion designer who gained mainstream recognition after appearing on season 17 of “Project Runway” in 2019. Though he exited the show within the first few episodes, his vibrant designs showcasing Pacific Islander culture received critical acclaim. He also appeared on the spinoff “Project Runway Redemption” in 2021.
The designer, who grew up in Samoa and recently became an American citizen, was known for dressing high-profile Pacific Islander celebrities. He created designs for “Moana” star Auli’i Cravalho, including the outfit she wore to the world premiere of “Moana 2” in November 2024. He also designed clothing for cast members of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” and David Derrick Jr., co-director of “Moana 2.”
Ah Loo operated his fashion house Afa Ah Loo and co-founded the nonprofit organization Creative Pacific, which aimed to uplift Pacific Islander artists and designers through events celebrating Pacific Island culture. The organization had a fashion showcase scheduled for the end of July 2025.
Utah State Representative Verona Mauga, who was with Ah Loo earlier that evening at Pioneer Park before the march began, described him as someone who believed in equity and equality for all people and communities. She noted that Ah Loo had recently voted in his first American election in 2024 and was excited to participate in the democratic process.
Richard Wolfgramm, a friend who attended the protest with Ah Loo, was taking a video of a large Mexican flag when the shooting occurred. When Ah Loo failed to meet him at their car afterward, Wolfgramm called him six times and left messages. He later discovered by reviewing his video footage that his friend had been shot and killed.
The shooting marked a tragic end to what had been Ah Loo’s third march within a week, following his participation in the Utah Pride Parade and an immigration rally. Wolfgramm described his friend as a humanist who saw the humanity in everyone.
Ah Loo leaves behind his wife Laura and their two children, Vera and Isaac. His family created a GoFundMe page to handle funeral expenses, which had raised over $380,000 as of Tuesday. More than 100 people gathered at a memorial vigil on Monday, June 16, at the site where Ah Loo was killed, leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten cards.
The Salt Lake City Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including examining the actions of the peacekeepers involved in the shooting. Prosecutors are considering criminal charges against Gamboa and will review potential charges against the peacekeepers once the investigation is completed.
