Utah Safety Volunteer Charged With Manslaughter After Fatal Shot at 'No Kings' Protest

Volunteer Charged After Protest Shooting

Salt Lake City, Utah — A safety volunteer has been charged with manslaughter after a fatal shooting at a "No Kings" protest in June, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said the volunteer, Matthew Alder, allegedly fired three shots during the demonstration. One bullet struck a man who had been seen assembling an AR-15 near the crowd, and a third round unintentionally killed demonstrator Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, also known as Afa.

Gill told reporters that, while Utah law allows people who can legally own firearms to carry them in public and permits the use of lethal force to stop a perceived threat, Alder's third shot — fired over the heads of people at a large gathering — was reckless and therefore criminal. "In this case our argument is that the third bullet was reckless and, if it is reckless, it is manslaughter," Gill said.

"Another safety volunteer with Alder did not think it was safe to open fire because the man with the rifle was moving toward the crowd," Gill added.

The man assembling the rifle was identified as Arturo Roberto Gamboa. He was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and accused of creating the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo's death. Prosecutors later decided not to charge Gamboa, saying there was insufficient evidence to show he violated the law, even if his behavior could reasonably be seen as alarming and irresponsible.

According to Alder's charging document, Alder told investigators he fired after Gamboa began moving toward the crowd and did not stop when Alder yelled at him. Alder told detectives Gamboa's behavior "scared the hell out of me," the document said.

Ah Loo, a respected fashion designer and former "Project Runway" contestant, was known for celebrating artists from the Pacific Islands. His widow, Laura Ah Loo, praised the decision to charge Alder as "moral and just," and described her husband as "an incredible father, advocate, creative and champion for others."

Utah is an open-carry state, meaning people who can legally own a firearm are generally allowed to carry one in public. Attorneys for the involved parties did not immediately return requests for comment.

Next Steps

Alder faces manslaughter charges as prosecutors prepare their case. The decision not to charge Gamboa stands, based on the prosecutors' assessment of the available evidence. The case highlights complex issues around public safety, open-carry laws, and the responsibilities of volunteers at large demonstrations.