Latest news with #Afa
Toronto Star
5 hours ago
- 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 :
The Hill
4 days ago
- 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.'
The Hill
4 days ago
- 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.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- 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
1News
5 days ago
- Politics
- 1News
Tributes flow for Samoan fashion designer killed at US protest
The man shot and killed while participating in the 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City was a successful fashion designer and former Project Runway contestant who devoted his life to celebrating artists from the Pacific Islands. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, was killed when two men shot at a person brandishing a rifle at demonstrators, and one accidentally struck Ah Loo in the stomach, authorities said. Ah Loo later died at the hospital. Salt Lake City police said it remained unclear today whether the individuals, one of whom identified himself as part of a 'peacekeeping" team for the protest, were brought in by the event organisers 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 (local time). Redd said police also were investigating the self-identified 'peacekeepers'. Victim was a self-taught designer ADVERTISEMENT Ah Loo leaves behind a wife and two young children, according to a GoFundMe page for his family that raised over $100,000 (NZ$165,163) in 48 hours. The self-taught fashion designer known to many as Afa devoted his life to doing 'good things for his neighbours and community," state Rep. Verona Mauga, a close friend, told The Associated Press. Their families were from the small village of Lotopa in Samoa, she said. Ah Loo was born in Samoa and has lived in Utah for about a decade, his friend Benjamin Powell said. Mauga, who was born in Hawaii, was at the 'No Kings" protest a few blocks from where Ah Loo was shot. The Democratic lawmaker said she only realised something was wrong when she saw the crowd scattering. Peaceful protest turns deadly The protest Saturday (local time) was one of hundreds in cities nationwide to counter President Donald Trump's military parade in Washington, which marked the Army's 250th anniversary and coincided with Trump's birthday. There is no record in the Salt Lake City event permit indicating that armed security would be present, police said. ADVERTISEMENT Carl Moore, a 49-year-old indigenous advocate, was filming the protest when three gunshots rang out through the crowd estimated at 10,000 people. Moore said he observed confusion among police as protesters hid behind barriers and took shelter inside parking garages and nearby businesses. 'They don't know what they're looking for. They're just yelling like, 'What does he look like?'' Moore recalled. Weaving culture and community through fashion Mauga said Ah Loo would have been proud that his last moments were spent advocating for what he believed in. 'If Afa was going to go out any other way than natural causes, it would be standing up for marginalised and vulnerable communities and making sure that people had a voice,' she said. Afa Ah Loo on season 17 of Project Runway (Source: Getty) Powell, a hair salon innovator from Fiji, co-founded Create Pacific with Ah Loo shortly after they met four years ago. The organisation uplifts artists from the Pacific Islands, allowing a new generation to connect with their heritage. ADVERTISEMENT The two artists were friends with a rare creative synergy, Powell said. Ah Loo's vibrant work weaves traditional Pacific Island attire with modern silhouettes and design. He used flowers indigenous to Samoa as motifs, and frequently incorporated Tapa, a cloth traditionally made from tree bark in the Pacific Islands, into the garments he created. Powell admired Ah Loo's attention to detail that made his work distinctive. 'You would know right away that it was an Ah Loo design,' he said. Ah Loo was a contestant in 2019 on Bravo's Project Runway, a reality show where fashion designers compete in front of celebrity judges to create runway looks on tight deadlines. Recently, he designed a garment for the star of the animated Disney movie Moana 2, Hawaiian actor Auliʻi Cravalho. According to an interview with Vogue, Cravalho wore the outfit inspired by the Hawaiian ʻahu ʻula — a feather cloak worn by ancient Hawaiian royalty — to the film's red carpet premiere in Hawaii last November. A posthumous honour In an Instagram post today, Cravalho said there were 'no words to hold the grief of losing' Ah Loo. ADVERTISEMENT 'My deepest condolences, sympathies and Aloha to his family, and all who felt his impact," Cravalho wrote. Powell and Ah Loo were working on an upcoming August fashion show when he died. Powell said the show will continue and will honour Ah Loo's unwavering commitment to his community. Ah Loo also volunteered his time and resources to tailor clothing for people who needed help, often refusing to let people compensate him for his work, Mauga said. Sometimes, he would playfully criticise the outfits the state lawmaker wore on the campaign trail and invite her to his studio so he could make her new blazers or dresses. 'He was just very involved in whatever was going on in the community," Mauga said. 'He cared about making a difference.'
