Charges brought against safety volunteer for fatal shooting of Utah protester at 'No Kings' rally

A volunteer responsible for safety at a Salt Lake City No Kings protest last June has been charged with manslaughter after a participant, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, was killed during an incident in which the volunteer fired at a man he believed posed a mass-shooting threat, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Matthew Alder reportedly discharged three rounds: one struck a man seen assembling an AR-15 near the crowd, while a third round accidentally killed Ah Loo, according to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. Alders initial shots were aimed at a perceived danger, but his third shot, fired over a crowded area, was deemed reckless and criminal, Gill explained.

The third bullet was reckless, and if an action is reckless, it meets the standard for manslaughter, Gill said during a press briefing. Another safety volunteer with Alder had believed firing at that moment was unsafe because the man with the rifle was moving toward bystanders.

Attempts to reach Alders lawyer, Phil Wormdahl, for comment were not immediately successful.

Ah Loo, also known as Afa, was a prominent fashion designer and former Project Runway contestant who dedicated his life to promoting Pacific Island artists. His widow, Laura Ah Loo, described the decision to charge Alder as moral and just, and spoke emotionally about her late husband, calling him an incredible father, advocate, creative, and champion for others.

Utah allows open carry of firearms for legally eligible individuals. The man initially seen assembling the rifle, Arturo Roberto Gamboa, had been arrested on suspicion of murder, but prosecutors later decided not to charge him. Officials cited insufficient evidence of legal wrongdoing, despite the perceived danger of his actions.

Gamboas lawyer, Greg Skordas, stated that Gamboa was carrying the unloaded rifle pointed at the ground and likely did not hear anyone instructing him to stop. Alder told investigators he fired because he felt threatened as Gamboa moved toward the crowd, describing the situation as frightening.

The No Kings protests were part of nationwide demonstrations opposing the Trump administration, citing concerns over authoritarian tendencies and anti-democratic actions.

Author: Maya Henderson