By Pat Reavy, KSL | Updated – March 9, 2026
In a tragic turn of events stemming from a protest in Salt Lake City, the widow of Arthur "Afa" Folasa Ah Loo has taken legal action against the alleged gunman, Matthew Alder, and the organizers of the No Kings rally. Ah Loo was shot and killed during the protest held on June 14, 2025, where emotions ran high over key social and political issues.
The Lawsuit: A Call for Justice and Accountability
Laura Ah Loo filed a wrongful death lawsuit on March 9, claiming negligence both on the part of Alder and the leaders of the Utah 50501 movement, which orchestrated the rally. "If you're going to do something, do it well," Laura echoed her husband’s beliefs, emphasizing the need for careful planning in high-tension situations such as protests. "For the sake of our community safety we need to do better," she stated during the suit's announcement.
The court documents allege that Alder, 43, fired his weapon recklessly, haphazardly targeting a perceived threat without consideration for the safety of others nearby. The third bullet he fired hit and killed Ah Loo, who was reportedly a bystander recording the protest.
The lawsuit identifies Alder as an "untrained volunteer" who acted with "little to no known training in crowd control or de-escalation." His actions, according to attorney Richard Lambert, recklessly endangered countless lives.
Incident Details: A Chaotic Protest
The No Kings protest drew approximately 10,000 participants marching through downtown Salt Lake City. During the demonstration, Arturo Gamboa, 24, was seen carrying an unloaded AR-15. Responding to fears of a mass shooting, Alder fired three rounds, leading to tragedy as one of the shots struck Ah Loo.
The legal filing points to a breakdown in safety protocols by the rally organizers, including soliciting armed volunteers who lacked proper training for crowd control. Statistically, previous threats of violence at protests led to both state and local advisories cautioning against the presence of armed individuals.
Allegations Against the Organizers
The lawsuit takes aim not only at Alder but also at six local leaders with connections to the Utah 50501 group. Central to the case is the claim that the organizers neglected to follow national guidelines for event security, ultimately contributing to the fatal shooting of Ah Loo.
According to the legal team, organizers engaged volunteers without confirming their credentials or experience, thereby undermining the intended de-escalation and safety measures.
Changes Implemented Post-Protest
In the wake of the shooting, the Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands made significant alterations to its event permitting processes. New regulations are in place that require potential organizers to submit detailed information on security measures and the qualifications of security personnel.
Moreover, Laura Ah Loo seeks greater accountability for public gatherings in Utah, denouncing a culture that allows armed individuals to participate in civil protests. Her attorneys have suggested that stricter regulations on firearms at public events should be adopted—similar to measures in other states that outlaw guns at protests.
The Quest for Justice Continues
As Laura bravely steps forward to seek justice for her husband's untimely death, she hopes the lawsuit will not just bring compensation but also act as a catalyst for change in how protests are managed in Utah. The implications of this case go beyond personal grief; they touch upon the fabric of public safety and social responsibility in politically charged environments.
The incident serves as a painful reminder of the potential for violence in protests that are meant to foster dialogue and change. Following a year marked by civil unrest nationwide, this story underscores the ongoing debates regarding security, safety, and gun ownership within the context of civic participation.
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The legal proceedings to follow will be closely watched as they delve into critical aspects of civic duty, the right to protest, and the measures necessary to ensure public safety.
