Tragic loss: Sāmoan fashion icon fatally shot at US peace rally

Acclaimed fashion designer Arthur (Afa) Folasa Ah Loo was identified as a casualty of the “No Kings Day” protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday evening, New Zealand time.

The 39-year-old was struck by a stray bullet while participating peacefully in the demonstration. Chaos erupted when two people confronted a man, later identified as Arturo Gamboa, who allegedly brandished a rifle and ran into the crowd.

In a news conference on Sunday, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd reported that one of the individuals fired three rounds, striking Gamboa, and tragically, also fatally wounding Ah Loo, who was an “innocent bystander”.

Despite the timely intervention of local emergency response teams, Ah Loo later died in the hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

The protest was part of a wider movement, with rallies held across 50 states against Donald Trump’s leadership style, aiming to “dethrone” him and his administration. The date also coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday and the Army’s 250th birthday.

Ah Loo, who was based in Utah, gained international recognition as the first and only Sāmoan contestant on Season 17 of Project Runway. He is survived by his wife, Laura and their two children.

In a career highlight, Ah Loo was personally invited by the late Queen Elizabeth II to Buckingham Palace to present his collection at London Fashion Week.

Actor Auli’i Cravalho and Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke wore his designs on the red carpet, and his clients included Sāmoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and singer Dinah Jane. His work has been featured in Elle, Vogue USA and Vogue UK magazines.

In 2023, he co-founded Utah’s first-ever Pacific Fashion Show, uniting designers from across the region. Just days before his death, he appeared on a podcast promoting Creative Pacific Fashion Week, a three-day showcase with international hair and beauty expert Benjamin Powell.

Afa Ah Loo with his wife Laura and their two children. Photo/Instagram

A community farewell

In a statement, event organisers Utah50501 expressed their condolences.

“Our love and deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s family following this senseless tragedy.

"He was an innocent, peaceful protester who came out to make his voice heard as he stood up for our rights when our country needed him most.

Afa Ah Loo's designs celebrated Pacific beauty and culture. Photo/Facebook

“We are grateful to the SLC first responders and our safety team at the event for their quick response to the shooting, for apprehending the suspect before he could injure more people, and for helping get the protesters to safety and clear the area.

“We condemn the shooter and all violence directed at our peaceful community members in the strongest possible terms.”

Utah50501 is organising a vigil to support the Ah Loo family.

Watch anti-Trump protesters scatter after hearing gunshots at the 'No Kings Day' rally in Utah on the weekend.