SALT LAKE CITY — One year after Arthur "Afa" Ah Loo was fatally shot while attending a "No Kings" protest in downtown Salt Lake City, his family continues to seek accountability through a wrongful death lawsuit filed in the Third Judicial District Court of Utah. The case, Civil No. 26-0901794, names event organizers, Salt Lake City law enforcement, and the city as defendants.
Ah Loo, a father, was recording the protest on June 14, 2025, when a volunteer "peacekeeper" — encouraged to be armed by the protest organizers, the Utah 50501 chapter — fired shots at an individual legally open-carrying a rifle. One of three shots struck Ah Loo in the head, killing him. The complaint argues that the shooting was "foreseeable and preventable."
"The organizers created the conditions for it and must be held accountable," said Jim McConkie of Parker & McConkie, the firm representing the Ah Loo family. The tragedy was recently highlighted in The New York Times, which detailed how rogue decision-making by armed individuals at protests can lead to fatal consequences.
The lawsuit seeks damages for economic losses to Ah Loo's wife, Laura Ah Loo, and their children, as well as medical and funeral expenses, and general damages for loss of affection and companionship. The family's legal team argues that the presence of armed "peacekeepers" and the lack of proper oversight by police created a dangerous environment.
"This tragedy was foreseeable and preventable," McConkie reiterated, emphasizing that the event's structure invited armed volunteers without adequate safety measures. The case highlights broader concerns about the role of armed civilians at public demonstrations and the responsibility of organizers and law enforcement to ensure safety.
Additional case information, including photos, video, and pleadings, is available at Parker & McConkie's blog. The firm, founded in 1978, has handled cases of national significance, including those involving Gabby Petito and Afa Ah Loo.
The Ah Loo family's pursuit of justice underscores the ongoing debate over protest safety and accountability. As the case proceeds, it may set precedents for how similar incidents are handled in the future, potentially impacting event planning, law enforcement protocols, and the rights of families to seek redress for wrongful deaths at public gatherings.
