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Accused 'No Kings' Protest Shooter Makes First Court Appearance in Manslaughter Case

Prosecutors left Matthew Alder at liberty because he cooperated with investigators.

Overview

  • Alder, a volunteer peacekeeper, was charged Dec. 3 with second-degree felony manslaughter in the June 14 shooting that killed Arthur “Afa” Folasa Ah Loo.
  • In a brief Third District Court hearing Tuesday, he waived a speedy trial as prosecutors kept him free citing cooperation, and a March scheduling conference was set, with reports citing March 20 or March 30.
  • Charging documents say Alder fired three rounds, wounding rifle-carrying Arturo Gamboa and fatally striking Ah Loo as crowds scattered downtown.
  • Gamboa was arrested the night of the protest but later released without charges after investigators said he did not fire and Utah’s open-carry law allowed him to have the rifle.
  • Defense attorney Philip Wormdahl said they will argue Alder’s actions were justified in self-defense, and a conviction could carry up to 15 years in prison.