On Saturday, reality TV star Afa Ah Loo was fatally shot by “peacekeepers” who were attempting to apprehend a man brandishing a rifle during a “No Kings Day” protest.
Areas of the US are currently embroiled in fierce riots and protests, some in response to ICE agents and others because of Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the enormous military parade he held to *apparently* celebrate the armed forces. Instead, many people saw the $45 million parade as a lavish celebration of the president’s birthday.
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On June 14, in Salt Lake City, Utah, thousands took to the streets for the “No Kings Day” protest, fashion designer Afa Ah Loo among them. During the peaceful event, a man later identified as Arturo Gamboa was seen wielding an AR-15-style rifle in “a firing position,” the police said. Peacekeepers at the event fire three shots at Arturo in response, one of which struck Afa Ah Loo. Though he did receive medical attention on the scene, the reality TV star later died in the hospital.
Afa Ah Loo was most well-known as the first Samoan designer on Project Runway season 17. A father, husband, and designer operating under his own label, Afa had dressed everyone from Disney actresses to the ladies of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
A Disney princess actress reacted to Afa Ah Loo’s death on Instagram
Credit: Instagram
Following the tragic news, Moana’s voice actor Auliʻi Cravalho issued a statement on Instagram. Afa Ah Loo had previously dressed her for the premiere of Moana 2, something she described as the “most significant event” in her career.
Besides a flurry of pictures from the protest, Moana, and the dress he had designed for her, Auliʻi wrote: “There are no words to hold the grief of losing @afa.ahloo. As a Samoan fashion designer, Afa’s creations are and remain thoughtful, elegant and powerful portrayals of Pacific culture. I am still amazed to have worn his custom designs for the most significant event of my career; the world premiere of Moana 2.
“Your artistry will never be forgotten; and neither will your peaceful protest. My deepest condolences, sympathies and Aloha to his family, and all who felt his impact. May you rest peacefully with our Father, Afa. Auwe. Auwe. Auwe.”
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Featured image credit: Lifetime
