One year after Arthur "Afa" Ah Loo was shot and killed while attending a "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City, his family continues to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. The suit, filed in the Third Judicial District Court of Utah (Civil Case No. 26-0901794), names event organizers, Salt Lake City law enforcement, and the city as defendants, alleging that the tragedy was foreseeable and preventable.
According to the complaint, Ah Loo was recording the protest on June 14, 2025, when a volunteer "peacekeeper" opened fire. The protest, organized by the Utah 50501 chapter, had encouraged armed peacekeeping volunteers. One such volunteer fired three shots at an individual legally open-carrying a rifle, believing the person posed a threat. One of those shots struck Ah Loo in the head, killing him.
Jim McConkie of Parker & McConkie, the law firm representing the Ah Loo family, stated, "The organizers created the conditions for it and must be held accountable." The case highlights the dangers of rogue decision-making by armed individuals at protests, a scenario detailed in a recent New York Times article covering Ah Loo's death.
The lawsuit seeks damages for economic losses suffered by Laura Ah Loo and the couple's children, medical and funeral expenses, and general damages for loss of affection and companionship. Additional case resources, including photos and pleadings, are available at Parker & McConkie's blog.
The Ah Loo family's quest for accountability underscores broader concerns about public safety during politically charged events. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how organizers and law enforcement manage armed volunteers at protests, potentially influencing future policies and legal responsibilities.
