Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who competed on Season 17 of ”Project Runway,” died Saturday after being struck by gunfire while attending a“No Kings” demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City. He was 39.
Per a release from the Salt Lake City police department, the preliminary investigation shows Ah Loo was an innocent bystander and was not the intended target of the shooting. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed, and with the many community members who were impacted by this traumatic incident,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd in a statement.
Ah Loo was among the estimated 10,000 participants in attendance at the rally. Police heard gunfire break out around 7:56 pm. When they found Ah Loo, they immediately began life-saving efforts. He was then transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
The demonstration had utilized a “peacekeeping team,” some of whom were armed with handguns and wearing high-visibility neon green vests. Ah Loo had accidentally been shot by members of the peacekeeping team as they were aiming for a different suspect.
Per police, the peacekeepers intended to fire at 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who had displayed suspicious behavior during the demonstration and was reported to have taken out an AR-15-style rifle.
He was dressed in all black clothing and wearing a black mask. Per the police, two peacekeepers observed Gamboa move away from the crowd and move into a secluded area behind a wall. Then he pulled out an AR-15-style rifle from his backpack and began manipulating it.
That’s when the peacekeepers drew their firearms and ordered Gamboa to drop the weapon. He did not oblige and instead lifted the rifle and began running toward the crowd gathered on State Street, holding the weapon in a firing position.
One of the peacekeepers then fired three rounds. One round struck Gamboa, while another tragically wounded Mr. Ah Loo.
Gamboa was taken to the hospital, then was later booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a charge of murder. Detectives are still actively investigating this case to include the actions of the peacekeepers.
Ah Loo, also known as Afa Ah Loo, was a Samoan fashion designer who gained recognition for his colorful and boldly patterned designs, often incorporating his Pacific Islander heritage. He was known for creating clothing for various body shapes and for his meticulous attention to detail.
Besides appearing on Season 17 of “Project Runway” in 2019, he also appeared on the spinoff Project Runway Redemption in 2021.
Beyond his work on Project Runway, Ah Loo designed for prominent figures, including actress Auli’i Cravalho (for the Moana 2 premiere) and members of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
He leaves behind a wife, Laura, and two young children.