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 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.
- The shooting occurred during a protest against the administration of President Donald Trump, citing perceived authoritarian and anti-democratic actions.
- The incident highlights the complexities of gun laws and the use of lethal force in Utah, an open-carry state.
- The decision to charge Alder with manslaughter has been welcomed by Ah Loo’s widow, who has demanded accountability for her husband’s death.
Introduction to the Incident
A safety volunteer accused of fatally shooting a man during a "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City last June has been charged with manslaughter, prosecutors announced on Wednesday. The incident occurred when 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, but his third shot, fired over people’s heads at a large gathering, was reckless and constituted a crime.
The Shooting and Its Aftermath
The shooting occurred during a "No Kings" protest, a nationwide demonstration in the U.S. that opposed the administration of President Donald Trump, citing perceived authoritarian and anti-democratic actions. 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 with manslaughter. Fighting back tears, she described her husband as "an incredible father, advocate, creative and champion for others." The grief of losing him has been profound and overwhelming, she said.
The Investigation and Charges
The man who was seen assembling the rifle, Arturo Roberto Gamboa, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and accused of creating the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo’s death, police said at the time. However, Gill said Gamboa would not be charged, citing a lack of evidence to show that he had broken any law, despite his actions being "reasonably perceived as alarming and irresponsible." Alder told investigators that he fired at Gamboa after Gamboa began moving toward the crowd and did not respond when he yelled at the man to stop. Alder’s charging document states that Gamboa’s behavior "scared the hell out of me."
Utah’s Gun Laws and the Use of Lethal Force
Utah is an open-carry state, meaning people who can legally own a firearm are generally allowed to carry it on a public street. The incident highlights the complexities of gun laws and the use of lethal force in the state. According to Gill, Alder’s third shot was reckless and constituted a crime, despite his right to use lethal force to stop a perceived threat. The decision to charge Alder with manslaughter has sparked debate about the use of lethal force and the responsibility of gun owners to ensure public safety.
Conclusion and Reflection
The incident has raised important questions about the use of lethal force and the responsibility of gun owners to ensure public safety. The decision to charge Alder with manslaughter has been welcomed by Ah Loo’s widow, who has demanded accountability for her husband’s death. As the case moves forward, it will be important to consider the complexities of gun laws and the use of lethal force in Utah, as well as the need for accountability and justice in cases of fatal shootings. The "No Kings" protests, which opposed the administration of President Donald Trump, citing perceived authoritarian and anti-democratic actions, will likely continue to spark debate and discussion about the role of protests and demonstrations in American society.
