Key Takeaways:
- A safety volunteer, Matthew Alder, has been charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting a man during a "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City.
- Alder fired three shots, one of which hit a man assembling an AR-15 rifle, and another that inadvertently killed a rally participant, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo.
- The shooting occurred during a protest against the administration of President Donald Trump, citing perceived authoritarian and anti-democratic actions.
- The victim, Ah Loo, was a successful fashion designer and former "Project Runway" contestant who devoted his life to celebrating artists from the Pacific Islands.
- The decision to charge Alder was welcomed by Ah Loo’s widow, who demanded accountability for her husband’s death.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred during a "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City, where a safety volunteer, Matthew Alder, allegedly fired three shots, one of which hit a man assembling an AR-15 rifle, and another that inadvertently killed a rally participant, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, Alder had a right to use lethal force to stop a perceived threat and a right to carry a gun under Utah law. However, his third shot, fired over people’s heads at a large gathering, was reckless and constituted a crime. Gill stated that another safety volunteer with Alder did not think it was safe to open fire at the time because the man with the rifle was moving toward the crowd.
The Charges Against Alder
Alder has been charged with manslaughter, and prosecutors argue that the third bullet was reckless and, if it is reckless, it is manslaughter. The decision to charge Alder was made after a thorough investigation, and Gill noted that there was not enough evidence to show that the man who was seen assembling the rifle, Arturo Roberto Gamboa, had broken any law. Gamboa was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and accused of creating the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo’s death, but he will not be charged. The lawyer for Gamboa, Greg Skordas, has previously said that Gamboa was walking with the rifle unloaded and pointed at the ground before he was shot, and that he does not believe that Gamboa heard anyone tell him to drop the weapon.
The Victim and His Family
Ah Loo, known as Afa, was a successful fashion designer and former "Project Runway" contestant who devoted his life to celebrating artists from the Pacific Islands. His widow, Laura Ah Loo, has demanded accountability for her husband’s death and welcomed the decision to charge Alder. She described her husband as "an incredible father, advocate, creative and champion for others" and said that the grief of losing him has been profound and overwhelming. Ah Loo’s death has had a significant impact on his family and the community, and his widow’s demand for accountability has been a driving force behind the investigation and charges against Alder.
The Context of the Protest
The "No Kings" protests were nationwide demonstrations in the U.S. earlier this year that opposed the administration of President Donald Trump, citing perceived authoritarian and anti-democratic actions. The protests were peaceful, but the incident in Salt Lake City highlights the risks and challenges associated with protests and demonstrations. The fact that Utah is an open-carry state, meaning people who can legally own a firearm are generally allowed to carry it on a public street, adds to the complexity of the situation. The incident has raised questions about the use of lethal force and the responsibility of individuals to prioritize the safety of others, even in situations where they may feel threatened.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The decision to charge Alder with manslaughter is a significant development in the case, and it is likely to have implications for the way that protests and demonstrations are policed in the future. The incident highlights the need for careful consideration and planning to ensure that protests are safe and peaceful, and that the rights of all individuals are respected. The family of Ah Loo will continue to seek justice and accountability for his death, and the community will be watching closely as the case unfolds. As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals involved and to work towards a resolution that is fair and just.
