man accused in deadly utah "no kings" protest shooting pleads not guilty

A man accused in the deadly shooting during a 2025 “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.

Matthew Scott Alder entered the plea after a judge ruled there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial in connection with the shooting death of Arthur “Afa” Ah Loo.

The shooting occurred in June 2025 as demonstrators gathered in downtown Salt Lake City for the nationwide “No Kings” protests.

Ah Loo, a local fashion designer and father, was fatally shot during the demonstration. His death sparked widespread attention and raised questions about safety and the presence of armed individuals at public protests.

With Alder’s not guilty plea entered, the case will continue through the court system as prosecutors seek to establish criminal responsibility for the shooting.

Alder is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.