Man faces charges for fatal shooting of Utah protester "No Kings"

A volunteer tasked with safety duties at a "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City last June has been formally charged with manslaughter after a fatal shooting, prosecutors announced Wednesday. The incident occurred when the volunteer, Matthew Alder, fired at a man he believed posed a threat of mass violence, but one of his shots struck and killed protester Arthur Folasa Ah Loo.

According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, Alder fired three times: one shot hit a man seen assembling an AR-15 near the crowd, while another missed, and the third tragically struck Ah Loo. Gill described the situation as very nuanced and complex, noting that Utahs firearm laws added layers of difficulty to the case.

Utah law allows citizens to carry firearms and to use lethal force to stop a perceived threat. However, Gill explained that Alders third shot, fired over the heads of a large crowd, was reckless and therefore criminal. "Our position is that the third bullet was reckless, and if it is reckless, it is manslaughter," Gill stated. He added that another volunteer on site had judged it unsafe to fire because the armed individual was moving toward the crowd.

Ah Loo, also known as Afa, was a former "Project Runway" contestant and fashion designer who celebrated Pacific Islander artists. His widow, Laura Ah Loo, praised the decision to charge Alder as moral and just, describing her husband as a devoted father and advocate whose loss has been deeply felt.

The man Alder fired at, Arturo Roberto Gamboa, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder for assembling the rifle near the protest. Authorities later determined there was insufficient evidence to charge him, noting that his actions, while alarming, did not constitute a crime under Utah law. Gamboas lawyer stated that the rifle was unloaded and pointed at the ground when the shooting occurred and that his client did not hear any warnings to stop.

The "No Kings" protests were nationwide demonstrations earlier this year, opposing the administration of former President Donald Trump over perceived authoritarian measures.

Analysis: The Salt Lake City Protest Shooting

The recent manslaughter charges against volunteer Matthew Alder highlight the complexity of applying Utah's firearm laws in high-tension protest settings. Alder fired three shots, intending to neutralize a perceived threat, but one shot tragically killed protester Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. Prosecutors emphasize that the third shot, fired over a crowded area, was reckless and therefore criminal.

This case underscores the challenges faced by volunteers and citizens carrying firearms during public demonstrations. While Utah law permits defensive use of lethal force, the context and positioning of bystanders remain crucial factors in determining criminal liability. Alder’s actions demonstrate how split-second decisions in volatile situations can carry severe legal consequences.

The incident also draws attention to public perceptions of safety and responsibility at protests. Authorities determined that the initial threat, represented by Arturo Roberto Gamboa assembling a rifle, did not legally justify the use of lethal force, as the rifle was unloaded and not pointed at others. The outcome emphasizes the legal and ethical balance between preventing harm and preserving life.

Ultimately, this case may set a precedent for how volunteers and armed civilians are judged when intervening in public gatherings. It reflects the ongoing tension between individual responsibility, community safety, and legal standards in scenarios where the potential for mass violence intersects with crowded public spaces.

Sources:

• Man charged in shooting death of Utah "No Kings" protester