Manslaughter Charges Filed in Fatal Shooting at Salt Lake City Protest

Matthew Alder, a safety volunteer, has been charged with manslaughter following the fatal shooting of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo during a "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City last June. Prosecutors allege that Alder fired three shots while attempting to neutralize a perceived threat from another individual, Arturo Roberto Gamboa, who was seen assembling an AR-15 rifle near the protest crowd. One of Alder's shots inadvertently struck and killed Ah Loo, a well-known fashion designer and former contestant on "Project Runway."

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According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, while Alder had the legal right to carry a firearm and use lethal force against a perceived threat, his third shot was deemed reckless. Gill emphasized that the reckless nature of this shot constituted manslaughter. He noted that another safety volunteer present at the scene did not believe it was safe to open fire, as Gamboa was moving toward the crowd. Alder reportedly expressed that Gamboa's actions were alarming and prompted his decision to shoot.

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Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known as Afa, was celebrated for his contributions to the arts, particularly in promoting Pacific Islander artists. His widow, Laura Ah Loo, has publicly called for accountability regarding her husband's death, describing the loss as profoundly overwhelming. She expressed support for the charges against Alder, calling the decision "moral and just."

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Arturo Roberto Gamboa, initially arrested on suspicion of murder due to his actions that led to the chaotic situation, will not face charges. Prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove that Gamboa had violated any laws, despite acknowledging that his behavior could be perceived as alarming. Gamboa's lawyer, Greg Skordas, stated that Gamboa was walking with the unloaded rifle pointed at the ground and did not hear commands to drop the weapon.

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The decision to charge Alder has drawn mixed reactions. While Laura Ah Loo supports the charges, some may question the broader implications of using lethal force in protest situations. The "No Kings" protests, which occurred nationwide, were aimed at opposing perceived authoritarian actions by the Trump administration, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding such demonstrations.

Associated Press

• “In this case our argument is that the third bullet was reckless and, if it is reckless, it is manslaughter,” — Sim Gill, Salt Lake County District Attorney

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• “The grief of losing him has been profound and overwhelming,” — Laura Ah Loo, Widow of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo

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• “scared the hell out of me,” — Matthew Alder, Safety Volunteer

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The case against Alder will proceed through the legal system, with further developments expected as the prosecution and defense present their arguments. The outcome may have implications for how self-defense laws are interpreted in the context of public protests.

Associated Press