‘Project Runway’ Star Arthur Folasa Ah Loo Killed at ‘No Kings’ Protest in Utah

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a fashion designer who gained national attention on Project Runway, has been identified as the person killed at a “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was 39.

Ah Loo, known as “Afa,” was shot in the stomach on Saturday, June 14, and later died at a hospital, according to the Associated Press.

Police said he was an “innocent bystander” when two men opened fire on a person allegedly pointing a rifle at demonstrators. One bullet struck Ah Loo.

Salt Lake City police said Monday, June 16, that it remains unclear if the shooters — one of whom claimed to be part of a protest “peacekeeping” group — were acting independently or under direction of event organizers.

The man accused of pointing the rifle, Arturo Gamboa, 24, did not fire his weapon. He has been charged with murder. Police said Gamboa’s actions triggered the chain of events that led to Ah Loo’s death, the AP reports.

Related: Stars Join ‘No Kings’ Protests in Los Angeles

Authorities have not publicly identified the man who fired the fatal shot but said they are investigating whether he was justified in using his weapon.

Ah Loo appeared on season 17 of Project Runway. The Samoan fashion designer was known for his vibrant creations that honored his Pacific Islander heritage.

He posted a picture of a design that Moana star Auli’i Cravalho wore on his Instagram. And in 2023 he shared a picture of Miss Samoa wearing one of his gowns.

Ah Loo is being remembered as a proud Samoan, deeply rooted in his culture and community.

A GoFundMe page described him as a passionate designer who shared his heritage through his work with the nonprofit Creative Pacific. “He shared his heritage with passion and creativity,” the post read.

He is survived by his wife Laura, and their two children, Vera and Isaac.

“No Kings” protests drew more than 5 million people in 2,100 cities and towns across the U.S., organizers said.

The demonstrations, held on President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, were organized in response to what participants called the administration’s “escalating abuses of power,” particularly regarding immigration enforcement.