Attorneys with Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers are representing the widow of Arthur “Afa” Folasa Ah Loo in a newly filed wrongful death lawsuit following the tragic shooting during the June 14, 2025 “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City.
Ah Loo, a 39-year-old husband and father, was shot and killed while participating in the protest. His widow, Laura Ah Loo, filed the lawsuit this week seeking accountability for the events that led to his death.
The lawsuit names Matthew Scott Alder, the man accused of firing the shots, along with several individuals identified as leaders of the Utah 50501 movement, the group involved in organizing the rally.
What Happened
According to investigators, thousands of people gathered in downtown Salt Lake City for the protest. During the event, a man carrying an unloaded AR-15 rifle was spotted near the march.
Two individuals who identified themselves as volunteer “peacekeepers” reportedly feared a mass shooting was about to occur. Alder allegedly fired three shots. While the man carrying the rifle was injured, the third shot struck Ah Loo, who was nearby participating in the protest.
Alder has since been charged with manslaughter in connection with the shooting.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges negligence by both the accused gunman and event organizers.
According to the complaint, rally organizers recruited armed volunteers to serve as “peacekeepers” but failed to properly vet or train them in crowd control and de-escalation techniques. The lawsuit also claims organizers did not adequately inform attendees that armed volunteers would be providing security for the event.
Parker & McConkie Attorneys Speak
Attorneys Jim McConkie and Richard Lamb (Of Counsel) with Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers are part of the legal team representing Laura Ah Loo.
During the announcement of the lawsuit, McConkie emphasized that proper planning and adherence to safety standards could have prevented the tragedy.
“If the national standard had been followed instead of shoot first, there would have been a very different result,” McConkie said. “We would not have lost a husband and father.”
Seeking Accountability
In addition to financial compensation, the lawsuit aims to raise awareness about the responsibilities event organizers have when planning large public gatherings and using armed security.
The Ah Loo family hopes the case will lead to greater safeguards for future public events and help prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
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