Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer and former contestant on the reality competition series “Project Runway,” was fatally shot on June 14, 2025, while participating in a “No Kings” demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City. Police determined that Ah Loo, who went by the name “Afa,” was 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 a protest attended by an estimated 10,000 participants protesting against President Donald Trump’s policies. The event coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday and was part of a wave of “No Kings” marches taking place across the country.

According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the incident began when members of the event’s “peacekeeping team” observed suspicious behavior from 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who was dressed in all-black clothing and wearing a black mask. The peacekeepers, who were wearing high-visibility neon green vests and carrying handguns, watched as Gamboa moved away from the crowd into a secluded area behind a wall.

Police reports indicate that Gamboa pulled an AR-15-style rifle from his backpack and began manipulating the weapon. Two peacekeepers drew their firearms and ordered him to drop the weapon, but Gamboa instead allegedly lifted the rifle into a firing position and ran toward the crowd on State Street. In response, one of the peacekeepers fired three rounds. One bullet struck Gamboa while another fatally wounded Ah Loo.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said, “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed.” Officers and Salt Lake City Fire Department personnel immediately began life-saving efforts on Ah Loo, who was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Gamboa was found crouching among a group of people with a gunshot wound and was later transported to the hospital before being booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a murder charge. The two peacekeepers involved in the shooting were detained on June 14 and later released. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the peacekeepers were designated and whether they were appointed by protest organizers.

Ah Loo, who was originally from Samoa, had recently become an American citizen and voted in his first election in 2024. He gained recognition as the first Samoan to compete on “Project Runway,” appearing on Season 17 in 2019. Though he was eliminated within the first few episodes, his vibrant designs showcasing Pacific Islander culture received critical acclaim and helped launch his career in mainstream fashion.

The designer operated his own fashion house, Afa Ah Loo, and dressed high-profile clients, including actress Auli’i Cravalho, who starred in “Moana.” Cravalho wore one of Ah Loo’s custom designs to the world premiere of “Moana 2” in November 2024, which she described as the most significant event of her career. He also created looks for cast members of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” and recently dressed guests at the Gold House Gala in Los Angeles.

Beyond his fashion work, Ah Loo co-founded the nonprofit organization Creative Pacific, which aimed to uplift Pacific Islander artists and designers. The organization was scheduled to host a fashion showcase at the end of July 2025. He also conducted sewing workshops and offered online courses through his brand.

Utah Representative Verona Mauga, a Democrat from Salt Lake County who knew Ah Loo personally, attended the protest with him earlier that evening at Pioneer Park before demonstrators marched downtown. Mauga described Ah Loo as someone who believed in equity and equality for all people and communities, explaining that he participated in the march because he felt everyone deserved basic human rights.

The shooting caused panic as hundreds of people ran for safety, hiding in parking garages and nearby businesses. Richard Wolfgramm, a friend who attended the protest with Ah Loo, was taking video of a large Mexican flag when he heard the gunshots. When Ah Loo failed to return to their meeting point, Wolfgramm searched through his video footage and discovered his friend on the ground.

On June 16, 2025, more than 100 community members gathered at the site of the shooting to hold a vigil for Ah Loo. A makeshift memorial featuring flowers, posters, handwritten cards, and candles was established near the Liberty Sky apartment building where he fell. The memorial included a hand-drawn portrait of Ah Loo smiling above a “No Kings” sign with the caption “father, husband, friend, fashion icon and inspiration.”

Ah Loo is survived by his wife Laura and their two children, Vera and Isaac. A GoFundMe page established by family friends to assist with funeral expenses had raised over $400,000 as of June 19, 2025. The Salt Lake City Police Department continues its investigation into the incident while detectives work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Update: 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. 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.