Arturo Gamboa Video at Utah and Project Runway Dead

On a tragic Saturday evening in Salt Lake City, Utah, what began as a peaceful political demonstration turned fatal when gunfire erupted during the “No Kings” rally. Among the crowd of protestors, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo an acclaimed fashion designer, activist, and former Project Runway contestant was fatally struck by a bullet during a confrontation between volunteer peacekeepers and an armed individual.

The sudden death of Ah Loo, known affectionately as “Afa” among friends and family, sent shockwaves through the fashion industry, advocacy communities, and his Pacific Islander cultural circles. The rally, intended to protest authoritarianism and champion equality, instead became the scene of a heartbreaking loss.

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A Peaceful Protest Turns Deadly and Video

The “No Kings” protest was part of a nationwide series of demonstrations criticizing the perceived authoritarian tendencies of former President Donald Trump. The Salt Lake City rally drew hundreds of participants on Saturday, many of whom gathered to support civil rights, democracy, and social equity. Among them was Arthur Ah Loo, who had only recently gained U.S. citizenship and cast his first vote in the 2024 elections.

Full Video of the Utah Incident


Arturo Gamboa Close-Range Footage at Utah Rally

According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the event took a deadly turn at approximately 8 p.m. when 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa was spotted separating from the crowd. Gamboa, reportedly without a criminal history, moved behind a wall and returned with a rifle in hand. Witnesses said he raised the weapon into a firing position and began running toward the crowd.

Two volunteer peacekeepers dressed in neon green vests intervened. They approached Gamboa with their handguns drawn and ordered him to drop the weapon. When he refused and advanced toward the protestors, one of the peacekeepers fired three shots.

While one bullet struck Gamboa, another hit Arthur Ah Loo, who was standing nearby with a group of friends. Despite immediate medical assistance from SWAT medics and paramedics, Ah Loo succumbed to his injuries later that night in a nearby hospital.

Who Was Arthur Folasa Ah Loo?

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, was much more than a protest participant. He was a visionary fashion designer, a proud advocate for diversity, and a beloved husband and father of two. Born in Samoa, Ah Loo recently became an American citizen a milestone he celebrated by participating in civic events and exercising his right to vote for the first time in 2024.

Ah Loo gained national recognition as a contestant on Season 17 of Project Runway, where he stood out for infusing his designs with elements of his Pacific Islander heritage. Off the runway, he was known for creating spaces that celebrated cultural inclusion. One of his proudest achievements was founding Creative Pacific, a vibrant festival that spotlighted the diversity of the Pacific Islands through workshops, visual arts, music, and fashion.

Described by Utah Representative Verona Mauga as “a person who believed in equity and equality for all people and all communities,” Ah Loo lived his values every day. His decision to join the No Kings rally, friends say, was a reflection of his unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice.

The Chaotic Moments

The shooting unleashed instant panic among the demonstrators. Videos captured from the scene, later shared on social media, show protesters screaming and fleeing in every direction. “That’s a gun. Come on, come on, get out!” one person can be heard yelling as the crowd disperses.

Protesters ducked behind barriers, ran into parking garages, and sought refuge in nearby businesses. In the midst of this chaos, Ah Loo’s friends realized something had gone terribly wrong when he failed to reappear after the commotion. Their fears were confirmed hours later.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Ah Loo’s injuries proved fatal. The coroner will later determine his official cause of death. Meanwhile, Gamboa, the alleged assailant, was arrested and taken to Salt Lake County Metro Jail after receiving treatment for his injuries.

The Shooter and the Investigation

Arturo Gamboa was charged with murder following the incident. Authorities stated that although Gamboa had no prior criminal record, he was found in possession of a military-style rifle and a gas mask, discovered in a backpack retrieved at the scene. Images and footage from the night show Gamboa being subdued and wheeled away on a stretcher by paramedics.

While the peacekeeper who shot both men has not been publicly named, his actions along with those of the other volunteer are under active investigation. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed that both the use of force and decision to engage Gamboa are subject to review, even as many acknowledge their efforts likely prevented a larger tragedy.

Sarah Parker, national coordinator of the 50501 Movement a partner in organizing the No Kings rally acknowledged the complexity of the situation. “Our safety team did the best they could in a situation that was extremely sad and extremely scary,” she said. “What they stopped may have been a mass casualty event.”

Community in Mourning

The death of Arthur Ah Loo has sparked an outpouring of grief and remembrance. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support his surviving family has received widespread support from across the country. Friends, fellow designers, activists, and Pacific Islander cultural leaders have shared tributes honoring his creative brilliance, humility, and generosity.

“He was with his community and he was with people he cared about,” said Rep. Mauga. “He was marching and rallying for all of those things that make our community really great. That’s who Afa was.”

His loss has also reignited public discourse about protest safety, the role of civilian peacekeepers, and the danger of armed individuals in public demonstrations.

A National Pattern of Violence

The incident in Utah was not isolated. Across the U.S., various No Kings demonstrations encountered disturbing acts of aggression over the weekend. In Riverside, California, a woman was seriously injured after being struck by an SUV during a protest. The driver fled the scene and has yet to be found.

In Phoenix, Arizona, a masked man was seen brandishing a handgun after a heated confrontation with protestors outside the state capitol. Video footage shows crowds scattering in terror before police quickly apprehended the man.

These incidents underscore the increasingly volatile landscape of public activism in the United States where firearms and political rage too often collide in the public square.

A Legacy That Lives On

While Arthur Ah Loo’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy will endure. Through his work as a designer, cultural leader, and advocate, he empowered countless individuals to embrace their identities and celebrate community.

His death is a painful reminder of the human cost of political violence. It also stands as a testament to the strength of those who use their voices not weapons to fight for justice.

As the investigation continues and his loved ones prepare to lay him to rest, many are calling for deeper conversations on how to protect peaceful demonstrators and ensure that future rallies do not end in bloodshed.

In the words of one friend who spoke at a community vigil: “Afa came to support others, to stand up for love, equality, and peace. In the end, it’s those values not fear or violence that define who he was.”

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