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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.