Latest news with #AfaAhLoo
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- NZ Herald
Family of fashion designer Afa Ah Loo call for justice after fatal US shooting
The family of renowned Samoan fashion designer Afa Ah Loo are calling for justice for their brother, son, husband and father after he was fatally shot while at a protest in the United States. The 39-year-old, known for his Pasifika-inspired designs, was attending an anti-Trump 'No Kings' protest in Salt
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Project Runway star Afa Ah Loo smiled and shared gratitude in last video days before being shot dead at No Kings protest
He is believed to be the only fatality from the nationwide protests FINAL DAYS 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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? Advertisement "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. Advertisement 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: US Embassy NZ 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 X said. Ah Loo is survived by his wife and two young children. Advertisement A GoFundMe for Ah Loo's family has raised over $190,000 as of Monday afternoon. 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
ABC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Prominent Pacific fashion designer killed at No Kings protest in US
On the program today Investigations continue into the detah of a prominent Pacific Islander fashion designer Afa Ah Loo, who was shot at a No Kings protest in Salt Lake City. Leaders make progress in Bougainville independence talks at the Burnham military camp. The Niuean-Kiwi owner of a support group for fathers of children with Autism hosts a fashion show of Maori and Pacific designer wear in Melbourne. Three young Solomon Islands workers train with State Emergency Services in Northern Victoria. A live-action remake of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch cracks one billion u-s dollars at the global box office. And Solomon Islands and Vanuatu team up to create a massive marine reserve covering six million square kilometres of ocean.
Vogue
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Fashion Mourns the Loss of Afa Ah Loo, the Samoan Designer Killed at a 'No Kings' March
On Saturday, Samoan fashion designer Afa Ah Loo—who was known for his distinctive and vibrant culture-based designs—was killed during what was supposed to be a peaceful 'No Kings' march in Salt Lake City, Utah. The designer was part of a crowd of over 10,000 people in Salt Lake City marching in solidarity with the 'No Kings' protest—a nation-wide movement that occurred in several major cities on Saturday, held in opposition the immigration policies put in place by President Donald J. Trump and his current administration. According to reports, Loo was the victim of a shooting, and was deemed an 'innocent bystander.' (An investigation from the Salt Lake City Police Department report that he was struck by an alleged peacekeeper, and was 'not the intended target.') Born and raised in Samoa, Loo learned how to sew from his mother, and went on to design unique fashions through his namesake label that highlighted Pacific Islander culture. In 2019, he was a contestant on season 17 of Project Runway, and recently focused on offering community sewing workshops in his home state of Utah. Notably, last year, Loo created a special red carpet look for Moana star Auliʻi Cravalho; It consisted of a cape made of white Dovetail shells that was reminiscent of a Hawaiian ʻahu ʻula, a feather cloak worn by ancient Hawaiian royalty. Cravalho is among many celebrities and fashion insiders who took to social media today to mourn the designer's loss. 'There are no words to hold the grief of losing @ she wrote. 'As a Samoan fashion designer, Afa's creations are and remain thoughtful, elegant and powerful portrayals of Pacific culture. . . Your artistry will never be forgotten; and neither will your peaceful protest.' Top stylist Jessica Paster, who has styled Cravalho, commented, 'This is heartbreaking. Rest in power.' Deomcratic Utah Representatives Verona Mauga and Jacob Fitisemanu Jr., meanwhile, also shared a joint statement on his passing. 'Afa inspired us to stand up against injustice and to speak out for the voiceless, and his final steps in this life were taken in the service of others, as a call to action, as a gesture of love. ' In addition to his own design work, Loo also founded the Creative Pacific Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and fostering cultural exchange in fashion. Loo is survived by his wife, Laura, and two children. A GoFundMe has been started in their honor.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Project Runway Contestant Arthur Folasa ‘Afa' Ah Loo Shot and Killed at Utah No Kings Protest
Fashion designer Arthur Folasa 'Afa' Ah Loo, who competed in Season 17 of Project Runway, was shot and killed during a No Kings protest on Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah, local police confirm. He was 39 years old. Ah Loo was caught in the crossfire when armed security guards (dubbed 'peacekeepers' by police) opened fire on Arturo Gamboa, who was reportedly seen pulling an AR-15-style rifle from his backpack and running towards the crowd. One of the peacekeepers fired three bullets, with one hitting Gamboa and one hitting Ah Loo, who 'appears to have been an innocent bystander,' according to the Salt Lake City Police Department. Ah Loo was taken to a local hospital but died there. (The exact role of these 'peacekeepers' is still under investigation.) More from TVLine Ananda Lewis, TV Host and Former MTV VJ, Dead at 52 Harris Yulin, Frasier and 24 Actor, Dead at 87 Casting News: black-ish Star Joins Boston Blue, Carrie TV Series Adds 14 and More Born and raised in Samoa, Ah Loo was a self-taught designer whose bold designs served as an ode to his Samoan roots. He competed in Season 17 of Project Runway, which aired on Bravo in 2019, and was eliminated in the fourth episode. Ah Loo is survived by his wife Laura and their two children. 'Heartbroken by the tragic loss of Afa Ah Loo. My prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him,' Utah State Rep. Doug Fiefia wrote on social media. '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.' TV Stars We Lost in 2025 View Gallery38 Images Best of TVLine 'Missing' Shows, Found! Get the Latest on Ahsoka, Monarch, P-Valley, Sugar, Anansi Boys and 25+ Others Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More
