Tragedy at No Kings Rally: Project Runway Star Slain in Utah
TRAGEDY STRIKES AT ANTI-TRUMP RALLY IN UTAH: FASHION DESIGNER ARTHUR FOLASA AH LOO KILLED IN CROSSFIRE
The world of fashion and politics collided in a tragic way on Saturday, as a Project Runway star was caught in the crossfire between a gunman and peacekeepers at an anti-Trump rally in Salt Lake City, Utah. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old Samoan-American fashion designer who had recently become a U.S. citizen, was fatally shot while attending the No Kings march.
According to eyewitnesses, Arturo Gamboa, a 24-year-old man with no known criminal history, pulled out a rifle and began waving it at a crowd of protesters. The peacekeeping team, dressed in neon green vests, ordered Gamboa to drop his weapon but he refused to comply. When Gamboa raised the rifle into a firing position and ran towards the crowd, one of the peacekeepers opened fire, hitting both Gamboa and Ah Loo.
A TRAGIC TWIST OF FATE
Ah Loo, known affectionately as "Afa" by friends and family, was an innocent bystander who had been participating in the march with a group of friends. His loved ones were left stunned and heartbroken by his sudden and senseless death. "Afa is a person who believed in equity and equality for all people and all communities," said Utah Rep. Verona Mauga, speaking to KSL-TV about Ah Loo's tragic passing.
The fashion designer's wife and two young children will be left to grieve the loss of their loved one. Ah Loo had recently made headlines for his appearance on Season 17 of Project Runway, where he showcased his unique blend of Samoan heritage and high-fashion style. His eponymous clothing line, Creative Pacific, celebrated the diversity of the Pacific Islands through workshops, art exhibitions, and fashion runways.
THE AFTERMATH OF THE SHOOTING
The No Kings rally, which swept across the country on Saturday, was a peaceful protest against what organizers described as President Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies. However, confrontations were not entirely isolated, with reports of clashes in Riverside, California, and Arizona.
In Utah, the shooting sent hundreds of protesters running for cover, some hiding behind barriers or fleeing into nearby businesses. A video posted to social media shows a chaotic scene, with people shouting "That's a gun! Come on, come on, get out!" The peacekeeper who opened fire was later identified as part of a volunteer team that has been trained to manage protests.
A MYSTERY THAT REMAINS
Despite the overwhelming evidence pointing to Gamboa as the shooter, authorities have yet to reveal what motivated him to pull out a rifle at an anti-Trump rally. "We don't know why he did it," said Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd in a statement. The investigation is ongoing, and police are still reviewing footage from the scene.
A COMMUNITY MOURNS THE LOSS OF A BELOVED FRIEND
As news of Ah Loo's death spread, tributes began pouring in on social media from friends, family, and fans who were inspired by his passion for fashion and social justice. The 50501 Movement, a national organization that partnered with the No Kings rally, released a statement praising the peacekeeping team for their swift response.
"While we are deeply saddened by this tragedy, we want to acknowledge the bravery of our safety team," said Sarah Parker, national coordinator for 50501 Movement. "They stopped what could have been a larger mass casualty event."
In a statement, Ah Loo's family asked for respect and space as they mourned their loved one's passing. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family during this difficult time.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, many are left wondering how such a senseless tragedy could occur at an anti-Trump rally. One thing is certain: Arthur Folasa Ah Loo will be remembered as a passionate advocate for social justice and a talented fashion designer who left an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
Sources:
- The Scholarly Note
- KSL-TV
- Salt Lake City Police Department
