Judge sends No Kings volunteer to trial for manslaughter in bystander's death
Matthew Alder, 43, is accused of firing the shot that killed Arthur "Afa" Ah Loo at the 2025 Salt Lake City protest while aiming at a man carrying a rifle.
Based on reporting by Utah News Dispatch. Read the original story →
The armed volunteer accused of killing a bystander at a 2025 No Kings protest in Salt Lake City will stand trial on a second-degree felony manslaughter charge, Utah News Dispatch reported. Third District Judge Derek Williams issued the ruling Tuesday after a preliminary hearing, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office. [1]
Prosecutors allege Matthew Scott Alder, 43, of Murray, was aiming at a man carrying a rifle when one of the three shots he fired struck Arthur "Afa" Ah Loo, 39, a father of two and former "Project Runway" contestant who was marching on State Street. Alder told investigators he believed the man was about to carry out a mass shooting. The man with the rifle was wounded and has not been charged. [1]
Alder's attorney, Neal Hamilton, entered a not guilty plea and argued his client did not act recklessly, the outlet reported, citing KSL.com. In a separate lawsuit filed by Ah Loo's family, Alder's lawyers have blamed the man with the rifle. [1]
The ruling comes days before a new round of No Kings protests planned for Saturday, including events in Utah. Democratic bills to clarify responsibility and restrict guns at protests failed in the Legislature this year. Alder is due back in court Dec. 11. [1]
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