One year after the tragic death of Arthur 'Afa' Ah Loo at a 'No Kings' protest in Salt Lake City, his family is still pursuing justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. The complaint, filed in the Third Judicial District Court of Utah under Civil Case No. 26-0901794, names event organizers, Salt Lake City law enforcement, and the city as defendants. The family alleges that these parties failed to prevent the shooting, which they argue was both foreseeable and preventable.
Ah Loo, a father from Salt Lake City, was attending and recording the protest on June 14, 2025, when he was struck by a stray bullet. The demonstration was organized by the Utah 50501 chapter, which had called for 'peacekeeping' volunteers to be armed. During the protest, 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 those bullets hit Ah Loo in the head, killing him.
The case has drawn national attention, including coverage from The New York Times, which detailed the chain of events leading to Ah Loo's death and highlighted the dangers of rogue decision-making by armed individuals at protests. The family's attorney, Jim McConkie of Parker & McConkie, emphasized that the tragedy was avoidable. 'The organizers created the conditions for it and must be held accountable,' McConkie said.
The lawsuit seeks damages for economic losses suffered by Laura Ah Loo and the couple's children, as well as 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 implications of this case extend beyond the Ah Loo family. It raises critical questions about the role of armed volunteers at protests, the responsibilities of event organizers, and the duty of law enforcement to ensure public safety. If the court finds the defendants liable, it could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, potentially leading to stricter regulations on armed presence at demonstrations and greater accountability for city officials. For the family, the pursuit of justice is about preventing other families from experiencing a similar loss. As the one-year anniversary passes, the Ah Loo family remains committed to seeking truth and accountability for Afa's death.
