Complaint filed on behalf of widow of Afa Ah Loo alleges negligence by event organizers.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The law firm Parker & McConkie (www.parkerandmcconkie.com) filed a complaint in the Third Judicial District Court on behalf of Laura Ah Loo, the widow of Afa Ah Loo, who was shot and killed by Matthew Scott Alder during the “No Kings” rally in downtown Salt Lake City on June 14, 2025 (Case No. 251915142).
According to the complaint, Afa Ah Loo was killed after Alder, identified in the filing as an armed volunteer associated with event security, discharged a firearm during the rally.
Brian Stewart of Parker & McConkie said, “The complaint alleges that the known organizers of the rally, commonly known as Utah 50501, planned and conducted the event in an ill-prepared manner, including the submission of a permit three days before the event by an unidentifiable applicant (Michael Andamen) on behalf of an entity that does not exist.”
James W. McConkie II of Parker & McConkie added, “Contrary to the national policy for other No Kings rallies around the nation, the local organizers in Salt Lake City encouraged their members to carry concealed weapons. At the last minute, the local organizers engaged armed volunteers shortly before the rally, without adequate vetting, training, or realistic de-escalation preparation.”
According to the complaint, the rally began at Pioneer Park and later moved toward the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building but became disorganized, resulting in uncertainty about the marching route.
The complaint states that near the end of the march, information was reportedly communicated to law enforcement that an individual dressed in black and carrying an assault-type weapon was near the Maverik convenience store located at 185 S. State Street. The filing states that it remains unknown whether and how that information was shared with the armed security personnel engaged by the organizers.
According to the complaint, Afa Ah Loo was standing on the east side of State Street near the Maverik area and was filming the protest when the incident occurred.
The complaint alleges that Alder and another unidentified security volunteer observed an individual later identified as Arturo Gamboa, who was wearing black clothing and carrying a rifle while walking toward State Street. The filing notes that open carry of firearms is lawful in Utah and alleges that Mr. Gamboa’s conduct did not present an obvious imminent threat. The complaint further alleges that the rifle was pointed toward the ground and was not loaded.
The complaint also alleges that training materials used by Utah 50501 indicate that the presence of a firearm at a protest rally does not necessarily mean violence is expected.
According to the complaint, Alder drew his pistol and fired multiple shots toward Gamboa and into the crowd. The filing alleges that one shot injured Gamboa, another missed, and a final shot struck Afa Ah Loo in the head, resulting in his death.
The lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of Laura Ah Loo and the family for alleged economic losses, medical and funeral expenses, and general damages related to loss of affection and companionship.
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