Salt Lake City, Utah — A volunteer responsible for safety during a protest has been charged with manslaughter following the fatal shooting of a rally participant last June. Matthew Alder allegedly discharged his firearm while aiming at another individual he believed posed a potential threat, leading to the death of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo.
According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, Alder fired three rounds during a “No Kings” demonstration, one of which struck Ah Loo, a well-known fashion designer and former contestant on “Project Runway.” Gill described the situation as intricate and underscored Utah’s complex gun laws as a critical factor in the case.
Gill highlighted that while Alder was legally permitted to carry a weapon and use lethal force in response to threats, the manner in which he fired his third shot — over the heads of a crowd — was deemed reckless. “If it is reckless, it is manslaughter,” Gill stated, recognizing the tragic implications of the incident. He noted that another safety volunteer present at the scene did not believe it was appropriate to open fire, as the man with the rifle was advancing toward the crowd.
The incident occurred as protests across the country objected to perceived authoritarian actions by the Trump administration. Ah Loo, affectionately referred to as Afa, was celebrated for his advocacy of Pacific Islander artists. His widow, Laura Ah Loo, expressed profound grief over her husband’s death, stating that she found the decision to press charges against Alder to be “moral and just.” She described her husband as an exceptional father and a dedicated creative force.
Initial police investigations also scrutinized Arturo Roberto Gamboa, the individual seen assembling an AR-15 rifle. He was arrested on suspicions related to the incident but will not face charges due to insufficient evidence indicating he violated any laws. Gamboa’s attorney argued that his client was merely holding the unloaded rifle in a non-threatening manner.
The case raises pivotal questions regarding self-defense and gun laws in Utah, particularly in light of the heightened tensions surrounding public demonstrations. Gill suggested that a recent legal case in Massachusetts influenced the decision to pursue charges against Alder after a grand jury’s earlier refusal to act.
As discussions about public safety and the responsibilities of armed citizens continue, Alder now faces legal proceedings that underscore the often murky boundaries of law and morality in these charged situations. The case remains a focal point for both the community and legal experts grappling with issues of gun rights and public safety.