SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly six months after a fatal shooting during the "No Kings" protest in downtown Salt Lake City, criminal charges have been filed against Matthew Alder, the volunteer who was acting as a "peacekeeper" at the event. The Salt Lake County District Attorney, Sim Gill, announced on December 3, 2025, that Alder faces second-degree felony manslaughter charges in connection with the incident that occurred on June 14.
During the protest, as thousands of participants marched, Alder fired his weapon at Arturo Gamboa, a man observed assembling an AR-15 rifle. In a tragic turn, a bullet struck bystander Afa Ah Loo, a fashion designer, fatally injuring him. Ah Loo was subsequently transported to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
A summons for Alder has been issued, and although he is cooperating with the investigation, he is not considered a flight risk. Notably, authorities have decided not to charge Gamboa, despite discovering a disassembled AR-15 and several ammo magazines on him. Witness accounts described Gamboa's actions as alarming, especially as he was assembling a firearm in a crowded setting.
Alder, a military veteran hired by the organizing group SLC 50501, emphasized to detectives that he felt a sense of impending danger during the protest. He expressed concern that Gamboa appeared to be preparing for an attack, leading him to take the drastic step of firing multiple rounds to protect the crowd.
This incident has sparked debate regarding the regulation of firearms at public demonstrations and the responsibilities of volunteer security personnel. As public discourse continues, the Ah Loo family has expressed gratitude for the charges filed, hoping for broader discussions on safety and policy changes in protest settings.
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