One year after Afa Ah Loo’s death, family and friends remember a life of service

SALT LAKE CITY — One year after Afa Ah Loo was killed during the “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City, those closest to him say they want people to remember far more than the tragedy that took his life.

Family, friends and community members spent the weekend reflecting on Ah Loo’s legacy as a husband, father, fashion designer, advocate and community leader whose impact continues to be felt across Utah.

“I want people to remember Afa as someone who genuinely cared and actually did something about it,” his wife, Laura Ah Loo, said in a statement provided through her attorney, Jim McConkie.

“If he loved you he served you. If he had a creative idea, he would make it happen. If he believed in a cause he took action to support it,” she said.

 

Ah Loo was killed June 14, 2025, after being shot at a “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City. His death sparked grief across Utah and drew national attention. Criminal and civil cases connected to the shooting remain active in the courts.

But for many who knew him, the anniversary was an opportunity to focus on the life he lived rather than the circumstances surrounding his death.

State Rep. Verona Mauga said she hopes people remember Ah Loo for his kindness, sense of humor and commitment to helping others.

“I hope that they remember who Afa was and what he meant to the community,” Mauga said. “Afa was such a light to others, and he saw the absolute best in people. He was also fun, and he made jokes.” 

Mauga said she recently spent time with Ah Loo’s family during the Manatua Festival, a Samoan event centered on remembrance. She said the experience was especially meaningful because the last time she had walked alongside Ah Loo was the day he died.

“A year later, we were able to walk and remember him and carry him with us,” Mauga said. “His daughter carried this big portrait of him. It was a special moment, and I think everyone could feel his presence there.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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She described Ah Loo as someone who embodied service and compassion, qualities she believes remain an example for others.

“I think we lost a light and an example of what humanity should look like and could look like,” Mauga said. “If you knew Afa, you knew that he had this big, bright, beautiful spirit and light about him.”

Laura Ah Loo said that same spirit showed itself through action.

“Afa uplifted others on an individual and community level and was always willing to put in the work,” she said. “I hope we can all exemplify his community-minded efforts and put action to our efforts.”

Mauga said one of the most powerful parts of the past year has been watching Ah Loo’s family continue moving forward while remaining active in the community.

“I was just with his wife and his children on Saturday,” she said. “They’re doing all the things they would have been doing with Afa. They didn’t let it stop them. And that, to me, is inspiring and gives me hope.”

When asked how people can honor Ah Loo’s memory, Mauga’s answer was simple.

“I think it’s actually very simple,” she said. “Be kind to one another. Seek to understand each other. And in the most difficult moments, remember that we’re all human.”

One year later, family and friends say that is the legacy they hope endures: a man remembered not only for how he died, but for the people he served, the communities he strengthened and the joy he brought to those around him.