Millions of people across the United States gathered for “No Kings” demonstrations over the weekend. While the protests were overwhelmingly peaceful, a shooting at a protest in Salt Lake City left one man dead. Police confirmed the victim’s identity as Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, also known as Afa Ah Loo. The Samoan fashion designer appeared on Season 17 of Project Runway. Now, fans and community members are mourning the loss and reflecting on his legacy.
Afa Ah Loo was shot mistakenly by a “peacekeeper”
According to a report from ABC, the shooting happened on June 14 in Salt Lake City during one of the hundreds of protests opposing the President’s policies. The Salt Lake City Police Department said that a man with a rifle started running toward the crowd. That prompted a “peacekeeper” to fire their weapon at the man, but instead, they fatally shot Afa. He was 39 years old.
“The preliminary investigation shows Ah Loo was participating in the demonstration and appears to have been an innocent bystander who was not the intended target of the gunfire,” the Salt Lake City Police Department said in a statement.
The man who rushed at the crowd, identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, has been charged with Afa’s murder instead of the “peacekeeper” who fired the weapon. Arturo had an AR-15-style rifle when he ran toward the protestors. He never fired it, but the police believe he “knowingly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of death and ultimately caused the death of an innocent community member.”
Meanwhile, the news of Afa’s unexpected death has rocked the Samoan community. A GoFundMe page described him as a husband and father “deeply connected to his culture and community.” He created a non-profit organization called Creative Pacific, which helps celebrate and empower Pacific Islanders in the fashion industry.
Afa leaves behind a wife, two children, and a legacy of beautiful garments rooted in his Samoan culture. Outside of what we saw on Project Runway, some of his looks have been showcased on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Last year, his work hit the red carpet for Moana 2. He got to dress Moana herself, styling Auli’i Cravalho for the movie’s premiere.
Project Runway Season 17 is streaming on Peacock.
TELL US – DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF SUPPORT FOR AFA AH LOO’S LOVED ONES?
