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.

Analysis of Manslaughter Charge in Salt Lake City Protest Incident

The recent manslaughter charge against Matthew Alder, a volunteer responsible for safety at the "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City, brings attention to the complexities of firearm use in protest situations. According to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's office, Alder fired three rounds during an incident that resulted in the death of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a prominent fashion designer and former "Project Runway" contestant. While Alder's initial shots aimed at a perceived mass-shooting threat were deemed justifiable, the third round—fired over a crowded area—was considered reckless and criminal, leading to the manslaughter charge. This incident highlights the risks associated with civilian firearm use in high-tension environments and the fine line between self-defense and recklessness.

Legal experts point out that the definition of reckless conduct in this case is key. Prosecutors argue that Alder's decision to discharge a third round in the presence of bystanders and without direct threat constitutes manslaughter. This charge is an important legal precedent for evaluating the actions of safety volunteers and armed individuals during public events. Furthermore, the decision not to charge Arturo Roberto Gamboa, the man assembling the AR-15, underscores the challenges in establishing clear culpability in these situations. Gamboa's rifle was unloaded, and his actions were not deemed to present an immediate threat, though the public perception of danger was palpable.

For the family of Ah Loo, the charges against Alder represent a step toward justice. His widow, Laura Ah Loo, expressed that the decision was both moral and just. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility carried by those tasked with ensuring safety in volatile public gatherings. As protests continue to take place across the country, the case calls for more clarity on how to balance individual rights with public safety in volatile environments where emotions run high.

Sources:

• Safety volunteer charged in the fatal shooting of a Utah 'No Kings' protester

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.