A year after Arthur 'Afa' Ah Loo was fatally shot while attending a 'No Kings' protest in downtown Salt Lake City, his family continues to pursue justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. Filed in the Third Judicial District Court of Utah (Civil Case No. 26-0901794), the suit names event organizers, Salt Lake City law enforcement, and the city as defendants, alleging that his death was foreseeable and preventable.
Ah Loo was present at the June 14, 2025, rally organized by the Utah 50501 chapter, which had encouraged 'peacekeeping' volunteers to carry firearms. According to the complaint, one of these armed peacekeepers fired three shots at an individual who was legally open-carrying a rifle, believing the person posed a threat. One of the bullets struck Ah Loo in the head, killing him. Jim McConkie of Parker & McConkie, the firm representing the family, stated, 'The organizers created the conditions for it and must be held accountable.'
The case gained broader attention after being highlighted in The New York Times, which detailed the chain of events leading to Ah Loo's death and underscored how rogue decision-making by armed individuals can lead to tragic outcomes. The family's lawsuit seeks damages for economic losses incurred by Laura Ah Loo and the couple's children, medical and funeral expenses, and general damages for lost affection and companionship.
Additional case information, including photos, video, and legal pleadings, is available at Parker & McConkie's website. The family's pursuit of accountability highlights broader concerns about the risks of armed volunteers at public demonstrations and the responsibilities of event organizers and law enforcement to ensure safety.
