Fact Check: Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, a fashion designer from Samoa, died at the hospital after being struck by gunfire during the protest in Salt Lake City.

Fact Check: "Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, a fashion designer from Samoa, died at the hospital after being struck by gunfire during the protest in Salt Lake City."

What We Know

On June 14, 2025, during a protest known as the “No Kings” demonstration in downtown Salt Lake City, a shooting occurred that resulted in the death of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer from Samoa. Ah Loo was reportedly an innocent bystander who was struck by gunfire during the incident. According to the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), he was participating in the demonstration when he was shot and later died at the hospital despite life-saving efforts by officers and paramedics (SLCPD Update).

The incident began when a man, later identified as Arturo Gamboa, allegedly pulled out an AR-15-style rifle and began to manipulate it, prompting a member of the event's peacekeeping team to fire at him. Tragically, one of the rounds struck Ah Loo, leading to his death (AP News). The police chief confirmed that Ah Loo was not the intended target of the gunfire and expressed condolences to his family and the community (NBC News).

Analysis

The claim that Arthur Folasa Ah Loo died after being struck by gunfire during the protest is supported by multiple reliable sources. The SLCPD's official statement provides a detailed account of the events, confirming Ah Loo's identity and circumstances surrounding his death (SLCPD Update). Additionally, several news outlets, including the Associated Press and NBC News, corroborate this information, emphasizing that Ah Loo was an innocent bystander and highlighting his contributions as a fashion designer and community member (AP News, NBC News).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, as they include official statements from law enforcement and reputable news organizations. The SLCPD is a primary source of information regarding the incident, and their updates are based on ongoing investigations. The Associated Press and NBC News are well-established media outlets known for their journalistic integrity, further reinforcing the reliability of the information presented.

While the details surrounding the motivations of the shooter and the exact circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation, the core fact of Ah Loo's death as a result of gunfire during the protest is clearly established and widely reported.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer from Samoa, died at the hospital after being struck by gunfire during the protest in Salt Lake City is true. This is supported by multiple credible sources, including official police reports and news articles, which confirm that he was an innocent bystander who tragically lost his life during the incident.

Sources

1. SLCPD Provides Update on Downtown Shooting Investigation
2. Protester killed at Utah ‘No Kings’ rally was fashion designer from ‘Project Runway’
3. Man killed at 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City
4. Man killed during SLC protest was beloved local fashion designer
5. “Project Runway” contestant and designer Arthur Folasa Ah Loo fatally shot at No Kings protest in Utah
6. Protester shot and killed at 'No Kings' rally in Utah, police say
7. 'Project Runway' Designer Shot and Killed at 'No Kings' Protest
8. 'No Kings' demonstrator who was shot 'not intended target'