Crime
Renowned Samoan Fashion Designer Arthur Folasa Ah Loo Fatally Shot at Salt Lake City ‘No Kings Day’ Protest
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Beloved Samoan fashion designer Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, widely known as Afa Ah Loo, was tragically killed during a shooting incident at the “No Kings Day” protest in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday evening. He was 39 years old.
Ah Loo, celebrated for his cultural pride and design talent, was a peaceful participant in the protest when he was unintentionally struck by gunfire.
According to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, the incident occurred around 8 p.m. near 100 South and 200 East, where officers heard gunshots and quickly responded.
Upon arrival, they found Ah Loo with a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by SWAT medics and emergency responders, he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Investigators stated that the suspect, 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, had been observed by two individuals believed to be designated protest peacekeepers.
The men reported seeing Gamboa separate himself from the crowd, move behind a wall, and produce an AR-15-style rifle. Police said Gamboa raised the weapon into a firing position and began moving toward the protest crowd.
In response, one of the peacekeepers fired three shots from a handgun, striking both Gamboa and Ah Loo. Gamboa sustained a non-life-threatening wound to his abdomen and attempted to hide among the crowd.
Witnesses helped officers locate him, and he was taken into custody. Police recovered his firearm, a gas mask, and a backpack at the scene.
Gamboa was later booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a charge of murder, with further charges under review.
Chief Redd confirmed that all shots were fired by the peacekeeper and that Gamboa did not discharge his weapon.
Afa Ah Loo was more than a talented designer; he was a voice of inspiration within the Polynesian community.
In his own words, Ah Loo once shared:
“Being Polynesian I think it’s all I know and who I see myself as. As a true Samoan man whose ancestors have worked hard and paved the way for me to be here… I was adopted and raised by my grandparents (who I call my parents) who were very, very poor, but my parents taught me the value of hard work and perseverance… My advice is to feel the fear and do it anyway. And it’s okay to put yourself first… because there is only one you.”
Salt Lake City police, in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, continue to investigate the incident to determine whether any additional charges or legal actions will be pursued.
The community now mourns the loss of a cultural icon whose legacy of creativity, identity, and resilience left a lasting imprint.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.