SALT LAKE CITY — A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday as Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old Utah resident, lost his life during a large No Kings protest in downtown Salt Lake City. Ah Loo, a well-known fashion designer and former contestant on Project Runway, was shot while simply participating in the peaceful demonstration. The shooting occurred when a member of a peacekeeping group fired at a gunman armed with an AR-15 style rifle who was reportedly advancing toward the crowd.
According to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, the unidentified peacekeeping group was present to ensure the safety of the participants in the protest. Amidst the chaos, three individuals were taken into custody, including Arturo Roberto Gamboa, a 24-year-old man suspected of wielding the rifle. Gamboa sustained injuries during the confrontation and was subsequently transported to a hospital in serious condition before being booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.
The police received reports of the shooting near 151 S. State shortly before 8 p.m., coinciding with an estimated 10,000 people marching downtown to voice their opposition to recent federal policy decisions. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulated on social media indicate that at least three shots were fired, prompting panic among those in the vicinity.
Upon arrival, officers found Ah Loo wounded, and despite their efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed that Ah Loo was not the intended target; he was simply an innocent bystander caught in a horrific situation. Witnesses reported seeing Gamboa separate from the main crowd and pull out a rifle before he was confronted by members of the peacekeeping group, who then fired the shots that tragically struck Ah Loo.
Redd noted that the two peacekeepers involved in the incident are not in custody and are cooperating with law enforcement. However, details regarding their training and whether they were officially hired for security at the event remain undisclosed. "We did not take any actions last night on those two individuals," Redd stated.
Witness Leah Pittman described the protest as peaceful and unified before the shooting. She was marching alongside her father when the violence erupted. Initially mistaking the gunfire for fireworks, Pittman soon realized the gravity of the situation as chaos ensued. "People were running everywhere, a lot of screaming, a lot of crying," she recounted, highlighting the fear and confusion that enveloped the crowd.
Pittman emphasized that the violence experienced at the protest is unacceptable, noting that such incidents have tragically become normalized in society. She expressed her concern for the children present during the chaos, including a young girl who was terrified as this was her first encounter with gun violence.
In the wake of the shooting, Utah Governor Spencer Cox took to social media to express his condolences and support for the city’s first responders. He condemned the act of violence, stating it has no place in public demonstrations. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall echoed this sentiment, asserting that such violence does not define the city or the peaceful intentions of the demonstration.
State Representative Tyler Clancy shared a message of sympathy for Ah Loo's family, honoring him as a wonderful man and father. Ah Loo had gained recognition as a fashion designer, notably appearing on the 17th season of Bravo's Project Runway, where he showcased his unique style inspired by his Samoan heritage. He was committed to inclusivity in fashion, designing for individuals of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.
Ah Loo’s legacy as a talented designer and a beloved member of the community has left a profound impact. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the need for safer environments during public gatherings. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a vibrant individual who contributed significantly to the local culture.
