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Former ‘Project Runway' Designer Identified as Fatal Victim in Shooting at ‘No Kings' March in Salt Lake City
Former ‘Project Runway' Designer Identified as Fatal Victim in Shooting at ‘No Kings' March in Salt Lake City

Yahoo

time25-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Former ‘Project Runway' Designer Identified as Fatal Victim in Shooting at ‘No Kings' March in Salt Lake City

The fashion designer and former 'Project Runway' contestant Arthur Folasa 'Afa' Ah Loo has been identified as the fatal victim during Saturday's shooting at a 'No Kings' march and demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City. The 39-year-old was a Utah resident, according to a spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department. The Samoa-born designer ran his namesake business in the state and he was part of the nonprofit Creative Pacific Foundation. Representatives at his company and the nonprofit did not respond immediately to media requests. More from WWD Leonard Lauder, Legendary Beauty Executive, Dies at 92 Melania Trump Wears New York-made Adam Lippes Suit for U.S. Army Grand Military Parade Tender Store Owner Cheryl Daskas Dies at 71 Thousands know the designer for participating in season 17 of the Bravo show 'Project Runway.' Nina Garcia, Elle's editor in chief and longtime 'Project Runway' judge, said Monday that her heart broke hearing of Afa's passing. 'After spending time with him on the set of 'Project Runway,' I knew personally how driven and how kind he was. I was always so moved by how he brought his Samoan heritage to his design,' she said. 'He radiated joy and light on set, and it has been a privilege to watch him flourish in recent years. My thoughts and prayers are with Afa and his family.' 'Devastated' by the loss of Ah Loo, the fashion designer and 'Project Runway' judge Christian Siriano described him as 'a bright light and creative force.' Siriano noted that while protesting against the Trump administration, 'Ah Loo was taken from us far too soon, because of guns.' The New York-based designer said that he partners with the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety to speak out against gun violence. Tessa Clark, one of Ah Loo's fellow contestants from season 17, recalled Monday how he 'brought so much joy and laughter' to the show. 'He could easily make us laugh, while offering a hand and support during design challenges. Nothing could prepare any of us for the challenge of losing a friend,' Clark said. She said that Ah Loo loved his wife and children more than anything in the world. Clark added, 'It was apparent he cared about people, his community, and being creative in a world that can lean toward being careless. He was a good person through and through. More people should be like Afa.' Ah Loo was described as an 'innocent bystander' by the Salt Lake City Police Department in a press release. Saturday's incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. MST, when gunfire could be heard near 151 South State Street. Hundreds ran for safety, with some hiding in parking garages or behind barriers, and others went into nearby businesses, according to the SLCPD. After officers arrived to secure the scene, they found a man who had been shot and immediately began lifesaving efforts. Ah Loo later died at an unidentified hospital. The cause and manner of his death will be determined by the Salt Lake City medical examiner's office. Danielle Conlon, a public information officer for Utah's Department of Health and Human Services, was unable to share any information about the autopsy, due to Utah being considered a closed record state regarding any records from the office of the medical examiner. The Utah DHHS said in a statement Monday, 'Our hearts go out to everyone impacted. Thank you to the protesters who exercised their constitutional rights, and to the security, SLCPD, DPS, and medical personnel whose actions protected lives.' Ah Loo was part of a crowd of about 10,000 people who had turned out in Salt Lake City, which was one of the numerous 'No Kings' protests that were held across the U.S. Saturday in opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. The preliminary investigation by the SLCPD showed that Ah Loo was 'not the intended target' and that he had been struck by an alleged peacekeeper, according to the department. Officers on the scene Saturday night also found 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa on the ground with a gunshot wound and an AR-15 style rifle nearby. He was treated and taken into custody. SLCPD said they detained two men, who were wearing neon green vests and were carrying handguns. They were said to be part of the peacekeeping movement. One of the men was said to have fired three rounds after Gamboa raised the rifle he was carrying and ran toward the crowd. One round struck Gamboa and another 'tragically wounded' Ah Loo, according to the SLCPD. As of Monday afternoon, a GoFundMe initiative that had been set up to help Ah Loo's wife Laura cover the expenses for his funeral, and 'to ease the immediate financial burdens that she now faces,' had raised $196,721. Born and raised in Samoa, Ah Loo was introduced to fashion by his mother, who sewed most of the clothing that he and his five siblings wore. As a student, while taking a home economics class and nearly burning down the kitchen, he decided to switch tracks to sewing. His first assignment was making a dress for one of his sisters, according to his 'Project Runway' profile on the Bravo site. Ah Loo attended Brigham Young University's outpost in Hawaii. On the show the designer's unsuccessful creation that combined a map and a hammock reportedly led to his departure from the design challenge-based program. Ah Loo later helped out another Bravo personality for a different outing. He created the burnt orange cape ensemble that Danna Bui-Negrete wore to appear on 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' Season Three reunion. Ah Loo said at that time that he had created a traditional Vietnamese look called an ''Áo Dài' with a modern twist to it for Bui-Negrete, who identifies as Vietnamese American. Several years ago Ah Loo took part in the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, which resulted in his having one of his Samoan-inspired designs displayed in an exhibition at Buckingham Palace that had been curated by Hamish Bowles. More recently, Ah Loo had been tapped to take part in the Papua New Guinea Fashion Week's Pacific Fashion Summit, which is scheduled to take place in September. Stefany De Rei, general manager of the Utah Fashion World, described the designer as 'a kind and warm person, who always had a smile on his face. He always treated us so welcomingly.' Plans for a memorial service for Ah Loo were not immediately known. Aside from his wife Laura and two children, the names of his other survivors were not known of WWD Kate Middleton's Looks at Trooping the Colour Through the Years [PHOTOS] Young Brooke Shields' Style Evolution, Archive Photos: From Runway Modeling & Red Carpets to Meeting Princess Diana The Most Memorable French Open Tennis Outfits With Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka & More [PHOTOS]

Man arrested after Utah ‘No Kings' rally shooting is released as investigation continues
Man arrested after Utah ‘No Kings' rally shooting is released as investigation continues

Toronto Star

time21-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Toronto Star

Man arrested after Utah ‘No Kings' rally shooting is released as investigation continues

A makeshift memorial for Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known to friends and family as Afa, is seen Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in downtown Salt Lake City, on the block where Ah Loo was fatally shot during a 'No Kings' protest on Saturday, June 14. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :

‘No Kings' protestor who died was ‘Project Runway' designer
‘No Kings' protestor who died was ‘Project Runway' designer

The Hill

time17-06-2025

  • Politics
  • The Hill

‘No Kings' protestor who died was ‘Project Runway' designer

(NewsNation) — The man who died after a 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been identified as a fashion designer and former contestant on 'Project Runway,' according to reports. 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo was killed by a stray bullet when shots were fired at the protest by a man who is believed to have had an AR-15 and another man believed to be part of a peacekeeping team. Police say Ah Loo died at the hospital. The volunteer told police that he had seen 24-year-old Arturo Roberto Gamboa acting suspiciously before he pulled out an AR-15, according to local station FOX 13. Two volunteers told Gamboa to drop the weapon, but he allegedly refused and began running toward the crowd. During a press conference on Sunday, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said he is unsure why the man had a rifle, but he has been charged with murder, and they are accusing him of creating the situation that led to Ah Loo's death. Ah Loo reportedly dedicated his life to celebrating artists who are from the Pacific Islands. He has a wife and two children, according to the GoFundMe page that was started by his family. That fund has raised over $205,000 as of Monday afternoon. Ah Loo was born in Samoa and was known by most people as Afa. State Rep. Verona Mauga said that he was all about doing 'the good things for his neighbors and community.' Mauga was at the 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City, only a few blocks from the shooting. She told The Associated Press, 'If Afa was going to go out any other way than natural causes, it would be standing up for marginalized and vulnerable communities and making sure that people had a voice.' She also said that Ah Loo was great at bringing people together and connecting 'culture and diversity and service.' According to The Associated Press, Ah Loo had co-founded Create Pacific with a hair salon innovator from Fiji, Benjamin Powell. The organization is meant to help artists from the Pacific Islands. Powell talked to the outlet about Ah Loo's work, saying, 'You would know right away that it was an Ah Loo design.' Powell had been working with Ah Loo for an upcoming fashion show in August. Despite Ah Loo's death, Powell said 'the show will continue' and honor Ah Loo in the process. Ah Loo was a contestant on 'Project Runway' in 2017, a reality show where fashion designers create runway looks on deadline. Ah Loo had also recently designed an outfit for Hawaiian actor Auliʻi Cravalho, who is the star of 'Moana 2.' She wore that outfit on the red carpet premiere for the film in November. At the time, she said, 'This was the first time I was so active in helping to design a custom look, and Afa surpassed what I had envisioned.' Ah Loo also volunteered his time, creating clothing for people in need, according to Mauga. She also said that he wouldn't let people pay him a lot of the time. Ah Loo would make blazers and dresses on short notice for Mauga. 'Afa was so much a part of the community,' she said. Rep. Doug Fiefia wrote on social media, 'My prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him. He was a bright light in our Polynesian community and will be deeply missed. May his loved ones feel peace and comfort during this difficult time. Rep. Tyler Clancy also wrote on social media, saying, 'Afa was a wonderful man & father who looked out for his community. Sending all of the love & prayers.'

‘No Kings' protester who died was ‘Project Runway' designer
‘No Kings' protester who died was ‘Project Runway' designer

The Hill

time17-06-2025

  • Politics
  • The Hill

‘No Kings' protester who died was ‘Project Runway' designer

(NewsNation) — The man who died after a 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City has been identified as a fashion designer and former contestant on 'Project Runway,' according to reports. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, was killed by a stray bullet when shots were fired at the protest by a man who is believed to have had an AR-15 and another man believed to be part of a 'peacekeeping' team. Police say Ah Loo was hit in the stomach and died at the hospital. Salt Lake City police said it remained unclear Monday whether the individuals who identified themselves as part of a 'peacekeeping' team were brought in by the event organizers or acted on their own initiative. The man whose stray bullet fatally struck Ah Loo has not been identified publicly. Detectives also do not yet know why Arturo Gamboa, 24, pointed a rifle at the crowd, but they charged him with murder and accused him of creating the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo's death, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said Sunday. Redd said police also were investigating the self-identified 'peacekeepers.' Ah Loo reportedly dedicated his life to celebrating artists who are from the Pacific Islands. He has a wife and two children, according to the GoFundMe page that was started by his family. That fund has raised over $205,000 as of Monday afternoon. Ah Loo was born in Samoa and was known by most people as Afa. State Rep. Verona Mauga said that he was all about doing 'the good things for his neighbors and community.' This undated photo shows Utah State Rep. Verona Mauga and Arthur Afa Ah Loo. (Mauga via AP) Mauga was at the 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City, only a few blocks from the shooting. She told The Associated Press, 'If Afa was going to go out any other way than natural causes, it would be standing up for marginalized and vulnerable communities and making sure that people had a voice.' The state lawmaker also said that Ah Loo was great at bringing people together and connecting 'culture and diversity and service.' According to the AP, Ah Loo had co-founded Create Pacific with a hair salon innovator from Fiji, Benjamin Powell. The organization is meant to help artists from the Pacific Islands. Powell talked to the outlet about Ah Loo's work, saying, 'You would know right away that it was an Ah Loo design.' Powell had been working with Ah Loo for an upcoming fashion show in August. Despite Ah Loo's death, Powell said 'the show will continue' and honor Ah Loo in the process. Ah Loo was a contestant on 'Project Runway' in 2017, a reality show where fashion designers create runway looks on deadline. Ah Loo had also recently designed an outfit for Hawaiian actor Auliʻi Cravalho, who is the star of 'Moana 2.' She wore that outfit on the red carpet premiere for the film in November. At the time, she said, 'This was the first time I was so active in helping to design a custom look, and Afa surpassed what I had envisioned.' David G. Derrick Jr., Dana Ledoux Miller, Auliʻi Cravalho, Yvett Merino, Christina Chen, and Jason Hand attend the World Premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios' 'Moana 2' in Kapolei, Hawaii on November 21, 2024. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) Ah Loo also volunteered by creating clothing for people in need, according to Mauga. She also said that he wouldn't let people pay him a lot of the time. Ah Loo would make blazers and dresses on short notice for Mauga. 'Afa was so much a part of the community,' she said. Rep. Doug Fiefia wrote on social media, 'My prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him. He was a bright light in our Polynesian community and will be deeply missed. May his loved ones feel peace and comfort during this difficult time.' Rep. Tyler Clancy also wrote on social media, saying, 'Afa was a wonderful man & father who looked out for his community. Sending all of the love & prayers.' The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Project Runway star Afa Ah Loo smiled and shared gratitude in last video days before being shot dead at No Kings protest
Project Runway star Afa Ah Loo smiled and shared gratitude in last video days before being shot dead at No Kings protest

The Irish Sun

time17-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Irish Sun

Project Runway star Afa Ah Loo smiled and shared gratitude in last video days before being shot dead at No Kings protest

THE tragic last post of a fashion designer who was shot and killed at a protest last weekend has been revealed. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who went by Afa, spoke about gratitude and community in an interview just days before he was fatally shot at a No Kings protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday night. 8 Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, nickname Afa, speaking in an interview just days before his death Credit: Facebook / Pasifikabydesign 8 Afa Ah Loo competing on Season 17 of Project Runway Credit: Getty 8 The No Kings protest in Salt Lake City on June 14, 2025, where Ah Loo was shot in a crowd Credit: AP Ah Loo, 39, was an innocent bystander hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a "peacekeeping" volunteer at the protest, police said. He later died in the hospital. He had no connection to the gunman and was "not the intended target of the gunfire," according to the Salt Lake City Police Department. Ah Loo, a father of two, was best known as a Samoan fashion designer who competed on Season 17 of Project Runway in 2019. He finished in 13th place in the competition. After the show, he continued his fashion career and worked with nonprofit organization Creative Pacific. Days before the shooting, Ah Loo was seen smiling and speaking about how his Pacific Islander heritage relates to his work in a video interview shared on Facebook. "Our people are very creative people," he said in the video interview by PacifikaByDesign shared on June 12. "Now that we're here... Why don't we pull our people up with us and work together to make a name for ourselves and our people? Most read in The US Sun "It is difficult to work in spaces that you don't normally see our people in. But it is with grit and perseverance that we can get to where we are. "We're slowly making our way there. We're still learning. We're grateful for people that have sacrificed their time and talents to help us." Victim of SLC shooting at 'No Kings' protest dies after being hit in crossfire as security targeted 'man with AR-15' Days after the interview, Ah Loo died in the hospital from his gunshot wounds after attending the No Kings march downtown. Thousands of No Kings demonstrations broke out across America over the weekend to protest the Trump administration on the president's birthday. The majority of No Kings rallies were peaceful and Ah Loo is believed to be the only fatality from the protests. Terrifying footage showed protesters running from the gunfire as over 10,000 people gathered to protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday. US Embassy New Zealand's statement The US Embassy New Zealand released the following statement about Afa Ah Loo's death: We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Arthur 'Afa' Folasa Ah Loo. A celebrated Samoan fashion designer and creative force in the Pacific community, Afa's talent and vibrant cultural vision inspired many across the region and beyond. A few years ago, the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand was honored to support Afa in showcasing his work and leading U.S. fashion and business workshops at the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show in Auckland. Afa leaves behind a rich legacy in the artists he mentored and communities he uplifted. Our thoughts are with his ʻāiga, friends, and all who mourn his passing. Source: The unidentified man who shot Ah Loo told police he was a peacekeeper, meaning he was volunteering to help de-escalate conflict during the protest against President Donald Trump. The gunman told cops he watched Arturo Roberto Gamboa, 24, acting suspiciously in the protest crowd before pulling a rifle out of his backpack, SLCPD Chief Brian Redd said on Sunday. Gamboa charged toward protesters with his gun, which led the shooter to fire three shots at him, Redd said. 8 First responders raced to the scene after gunfire broke out at the No Kings march in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday Credit: KIFI 8 Arturo Gamboa was shot in the side and arrested on suspicion of murder after allegedly pulling out a gun at the rally Credit: KIFI The gunfire struck Ah Loo, who was in a nearby crowd, and Gamboa. Gamboa was hospitalized for a minor bullet wound before he was arrested on suspicion of murder. A tribute by the US Embassy of New Zealand remembered Ah Loo as "a celebrated Samoan fashion designer and creative force in the Pacific community. "Afa's talent and vibrant cultural vision inspired many across the region and beyond," the embassy's statement on Read more on the Irish Sun Ah Loo is survived by his wife and two young children. A 8 Ah Loo speaking to Kovid Kapoor on Season 17 of Project Runway Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via 8 Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd speaking on June 15, 2025, about the shooting at the No Kings demonstration in Salt Lake City the day earlier Credit: AP 8 Ah Loo speaking to Christian Siriano on Project Runway Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via

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