Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer and former “Project Runway” contestant, was fatally shot Saturday, June 14, during a “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Police identified Ah Loo as an innocent bystander who was not the intended target of the gunfire.
The shooting occurred around 7:56 p.m. local time at 151 South State Street during what had been a peaceful demonstration involving approximately 10,000 participants. The protest was part of nationwide “No Kings” rallies opposing President Donald Trump and his policies, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday on June 14, 2025.
According to Salt Lake City police, the incident began when members of the event’s “peacekeeping team” observed 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa behaving suspiciously. The peacekeepers reported seeing Gamboa move away from the crowd into a secluded area behind a wall, where he allegedly removed an AR-15-style rifle from a backpack and began manipulating the weapon.
Two armed peacekeepers confronted Gamboa, ordering him to drop the weapon. Instead, police reported that Gamboa raised the rifle into a firing position and ran toward the crowd of protesters. In response, one of the peacekeepers fired three shots. One round struck Gamboa while another fatally wounded Ah Loo, who was standing nearby.
The gunfire caused immediate panic among hundreds of demonstrators, who fled for safety into parking garages, behind barriers, and into nearby businesses. Officers found Ah Loo suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately began life-saving efforts. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
Gamboa was discovered crouching among a group of people with a gunshot wound. He was treated at a hospital and subsequently booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a murder charge. However, on Friday, June 20, 2025, local district attorney Sim Gill’s office released Gamboa from custody, stating they were unable to make a decision on charges while the investigation continues.
Gamboa never discharged his rifle, and his intentions for having it remain uncertain. Earlier this week, his father, Albert Gamboa, told The Associated Press that his son was simply an innocent person caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Judge James Blanch ordered that Gamboa must live with his father and is forbidden from possessing firearms. The conditions terminate after two months or if criminal charges are pursued. Utah is an open-carry state, meaning people who can legally own firearms are generally allowed to carry them on public streets.
Ah Loo, known by the nickname “Afa,” was a prominent figure in Utah’s fashion community and beyond. The Samoan-born designer recently became an American citizen and had voted in his first election in 2024. He appeared on “Project Runway” in 2019, making him the first Samoan contestant on the popular fashion competition series.
The designer operated his fashion house, Afa Ah Loo, and was known for creating vibrant designs that showcased Pacific Islander culture. His work gained mainstream attention after his television appearance, and he subsequently dressed high-profile clients, including “Moana” star Auli’i Cravalho and cast members of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.”
Cravalho paid tribute to Ah Loo on social media, noting that he designed the outfit she wore to the world premiere of “Moana 2” in November 2024, which she described as “the most significant event of my career.” She praised his creations as thoughtful, elegant and powerful portrayals of Pacific culture.
Utah Representative Verona Mauga, who knew Ah Loo personally and was with him earlier in the evening at Pioneer Park before the downtown march, described him as someone who believed in equity and equality for all people. She indicated that Ah Loo attended the protest because he supported basic human rights and wanted to be part of his community.
Richard Wolfgramm, a friend who attended the protest with Ah Loo, said, “It was completely senseless.” Wolfgramm discovered his friend had been shot when he reviewed video footage he had taken during the demonstration.
Ah Loo co-founded the nonprofit Creative Pacific, an organization dedicated to uplifting Pacific Islander artists and designers. The group had scheduled a fashion showcase for the end of July 2025. He also conducted sewing workshops and taught others in his community.
The designer is survived by his wife Laura and their two children, Vera and Isaac. A GoFundMe campaign established by family friends to help with funeral expenses has raised more than $400,000. On Monday, June 16, 2025, more than 100 people gathered at the shooting site to create a makeshift memorial with flowers, candles, and handwritten cards.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd expressed condolences to Ah Loo’s family and praised the response of officers and detectives as fast, brave and highly coordinated. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with police seeking additional video footage and witness accounts to determine exactly what occurred.
The protest organizers, including the 50501 Movement, had asked all attendees not to bring weapons. The role and authorization of the armed peacekeepers remains under investigation, as police examine how the individuals were designated for their security positions.