Salt Lake City, Utah — A safety volunteer has been charged with manslaughter following a shooting incident during a “No Kings” protest last June, which resulted in the death of a rally participant. Prosecutors announced the charges against Matthew Alder on Wednesday.
According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, Alder fired three shots in a crowded area, one of which struck Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was attending the protest. Ah Loo was reportedly killed inadvertently while Alder was aiming at another individual whom he perceived to be a potential threat.
Gill described the case as complex, emphasizing the intricate nature of Utah’s gun laws and the legal rights surrounding the use of lethal force. While Alder was legally permitted to carry his firearm and respond to perceived threats, his decision to fire into the crowd raised significant legal concerns. “In this case, our argument is that the third bullet was reckless,” Gill stated, explaining that reckless actions can warrant a manslaughter charge.
Alder had reportedly expressed fear over the behavior of Arturo Roberto Gamboa, who was seen assembling an AR-15 rifle nearby. Despite the tension, another safety volunteer present at the scene believed it was unsafe to discharge a weapon due to the proximity of the crowd. Prosecutors sought a grand jury in November, but the panel decided against pursuing that route. Their investigation was influenced by a similar legal situation resolved in Massachusetts.
The widow of Ah Loo, Laura, expressed gratitude for the decision to charge Alder, stating it was both moral and just. “The grief of losing him has been profound and overwhelming,” she shared, remembering her husband as a loving father and a passionate advocate for artists from the Pacific Islands.
Despite initial arrests, charges were not filed against Gamboa. Authorities indicated that there was insufficient evidence to prove he acted unlawfully, even though his actions may have caused alarm. Gamboa’s attorney asserted that his client was carrying the rifle unloaded and pointed at the ground, and insists he did not hear anyone instruct him to drop the weapon.
Alder, in his statements to investigators, revealed that he feared for the safety of the crowd when Gamboa moved toward them without responding to his commands. He described the situation as intensely distressing, leading to his actions that day.
The “No Kings” protests took place nationwide, fueled by opposition to the previous presidential administration’s perceived authoritarian stance. The rallies aimed to vocalize opposition against what many perceived as undemocratic governance practices.