Fundraiser for Killed 'No Kings' Protester Jumps $300K in One Day

Newsweek

17-06-2025

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An online donations page set up to raise money for the family of a protester killed by a stray bullet during a "No Kings" demonstration received more than a quarter of a million dollars in just one day.
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old celebrity fashion designer and dad who once featured as a contestant on the Project Runway TV show, was an "innocent bystander" caught in the crossfire when police attempted to subdue a suspected gunman, police said.
A fundraiser set up for his loved ones has seen an outpouring of support for Ah Loo's family, who were plunged into mourning after his death on Saturday evening. As news of the tragedy spread, the GoFundMe page saw an influx of donations to help his widow and two children, with more than $323,000 donated in just 24 hours.
Newsweek has reached out to the GoFundMe organizer, Lindsey Olson, seeking comment.
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was known as Afa to his friends, was hit by a stray bullet at a "No Kings" protest.
Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was known as Afa to his friends, was hit by a stray bullet at a "No Kings" protest.
GoFundMe
Why It Matters
Ah Loo, who was known as Afa to his friends, had been part of the 10,000-strong march against Donald Trump in Salt Lake City, Utah, which was part of a nationwide "No Kings" protest against President Donald Trump on Saturday.
But the protester was stuck by one of three bullets fired by one of the event's "peacekeepers," who was aiming at a suspected gunman allegedly carrying a rifle nearby. Although Ah Loo was rushed to the hospital by paramedics, doctors were unable to save him, and he later died from his injuries.
The suspected gunman, Arturo Gamboa, 24, was shot twice and wounded. He was later arrested on suspicion of murder. The peacekeeper shooter, who has not yet been publicly identified, was also detained along with another member of the team.
"Detectives are still actively investigating this case, to include the actions of the peacekeepers," Salt Lake City Police Department said in a statement published on Sunday. "Detectives have developed probable cause that Gamboa acted under circumstances that showed a depraved indifference to human life, knowingly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of death and ultimately caused the death of an innocent community member."
Many "No Kings" protests were held across the country, including this one outside the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, on June 14, 2025.
Many "No Kings" protests were held across the country, including this one outside the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, on June 14, 2025.
JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
Ah Loo ran his own fashion brand called Afa Ah Loo, and he had dressed several celebrities, including Moana star Auli'i Cravalho and the cast of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, according to NBC News.
The GoFundMe goal was initially set at $45,000, and early on Monday, the total stood at a little more than $35,000.
But as donations continued to pour in from well-wishers, the target was raised to $370,000, and more than $358,000 has been donated so far. It means the site saw a 10-fold jump in financial support and received some $323,000 worth of donations in just 24 hours.
The site reveals that the figure has been reached thanks to 8,600 individual donations, with payments ranging from $10 to $5,000.
Several donors also left messages on the site. One wrote: "So many millions behind you, loving you, in this horrible time." Another added: "I was there like many others who have donated. When I heard about Afa, I cried for hours. I'm sorry this happened."
What People Are Saying
The GoFundMe page set up for Ah Loo's family paid tribute to him, saying: "Afa was a proud Samoan, deeply connected to his culture and community. Through his work with the nonprofit Creative Pacific and his incredible talent as a fashion designer, he shared his heritage with passion and creativity. But more than anything, Afa was proud of the life he built with his wife, Laura, and their two beautiful children, Vera and Isaac.
"This unimaginable loss has left a profound void in their lives. Family and friends are coming together to raise funds to help Laura with funeral expenses and to ease the immediate financial burdens she now faces. Funds raised will be sent directly to Laura via the GoFundMe transfer.
"Any donation, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. Please keep Laura, Vera, and Isaac in your thoughts and prayers as they begin to navigate life without Afa."
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said on Sunday: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed, and with the many community members who were impacted by this traumatic incident. When this shooting happened, the response of our officers and detectives was fast, brave, and highly coordinated [...] Our detectives are now working to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident."
What Happens Next
The GoFundMe page looks almost certain to reach its new $370,000 goal and has currently achieved 97 percent of its target.
In the meantime, police will continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ah Loo's death, while his grieving family must now try to come to terms with a future that no longer includes him.