Utah Judge Advances Manslaughter Charges in Protest Shooting
A Utah judge ruled there is probable cause to charge a volunteer with manslaughter.
Why it matters: This case spotlights legal challenges around civilian use of force during violent incidents. It raises critical questions about liability for volunteers and public safety officials.
- June 14, 2025: Matthew Scott Alder fired three shots at Arturo Gamboa at the No Kings protest in Salt Lake City.
- One shot struck and killed protester Arthur 'Afa' Ah Loo, 39, who was 160 feet away.
- October 13, 2026: Judge Derek Williams found sufficient evidence to proceed with manslaughter charges against Alder.
- Alder pleaded not guilty; Gamboa was released without charges under Utah’s open-carry laws.
During the June 14, 2025 No Kings protest in Salt Lake City, Utah, volunteer safety team member Matthew Scott Alder fired three shots at Arturo Gamboa, who was assembling a rifle near the crowd. One bullet struck and killed Arthur 'Afa' Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer and former 'Project Runway' contestant, who was approximately 160 feet from Alder when shot.
On October 13, 2026, Third District Judge Derek Williams found there was probable cause to advance manslaughter charges against Alder. The judge noted that Alder's actions were reckless, stating, "It’s clear it was in the direction of a crowd of people." Prosecutors emphasized each trigger pull represented a "conscious decision," according to Deputy District Attorney Josh Graves.
Defense attorney Neal Hamilton argued that "all the evidence suggested that he was firing at his target, which is Mr. Gamboa," who was initially arrested but later released without charges under Utah’s open-carry laws. Alder has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.
In March 2026, Ah Loo's family filed a lawsuit seeking at least $300,000 in damages against both Alder and the protest organizers, alleging negligence in the selection and training of armed security volunteers.
This incident highlights tough legal questions about civilian intervention during protests and the legal responsibilities for volunteers authorized to carry arms for public safety.
By the numbers:
- 3 shots fired — by volunteer Matthew Scott Alder during No Kings protest
- 160 feet — distance between Alder and protester Ah Loo when fatal shot was fired
- $300,000 — minimum damages sought by Ah Loo’s family in lawsuit
Yes, but: While charges advance against Alder, his defense cites evidence that he aimed at a person assembling a rifle, underscoring the complexity of assessing intent and recklessness in chaotic protest settings.
What's next: The manslaughter trial for Matthew Scott Alder is expected to proceed in the coming months, drawing attention from legal and public safety communities.