An innocent bystander, Arthur Folasa Arlo, a fashion designer known for his appearance on “Project Runway,” was tragically shot during a protest in Utah over the weekend, according to police reports. He was a Samoan designer and a married father of two.
The protest, which drew around 10,000 participants, took place on Saturday. Sadly, Arlo succumbed to his injuries later that night, as confirmed by Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Red. “Our victims were not intended targets,” Red emphasized.
During the incident, Arlo was accidentally shot by an event peacekeeper after someone, identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, ran toward the crowd with a rifle and opened fire. Witnesses reported seeing Gamboa brandishing the weapon before aiming it at the protesters. In an attempt to protect the crowd, the peacekeeper fired three shots, hitting both Gamboa and Arlo.
Gamboa was also hurt in the chaos and was found with a rifle and gas mask in his backpack. After being treated by paramedics, he was taken to a hospital and later booked at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail for murder, though he reportedly did not fire the fatal shot and has no prior criminal record.
Two SWAT medics provided urgent care to Arlo before he was transported to the hospital, but he could not be saved. Arlo had previously competed in Season 17 of “Project Runway” in 2019 and later returned for “Project Runway Redemption.” He was known for creating couture pieces for members of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” and was invited by Queen Elizabeth II to showcase his collection at Buckingham Palace during London Fashion Week.
Utah Senator Verona Mauga noted that Arlo was actively supporting his community at the time of his death. “AFA is someone who believes in equity and equality for all people and all communities. He believed that everyone deserves basic human rights,” Mauga stated, reflecting on Arlo’s values.
An online fundraiser for Arlo’s funeral expenses has already collected over $200,000.
