Salt Lake City, Utah – Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers have filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of Arthur Afa Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old husband and father who was killed during a protest in downtown Salt Lake City last summer. His widow, Laura Ah Loo, is seeking justice and accountability for the circumstances that led to his death.

The incident occurred on June 14, 2025, when thousands of individuals gathered in downtown Salt Lake City to participate in a “No Kings” protest. During the event, a man was seen carrying an AR-15-style rifle. Although the firearm was not loaded, its presence triggered panic within the crowd. Two individuals who identified themselves as volunteer peacekeepers believed an active shooter situation was imminent. One of those individuals, Matthew Scott Alder, discharged his firearm three times. While the first shots struck the individual carrying the rifle, a third bullet fatally struck Ah Loo, who was standing nearby. Alder has since been charged with manslaughter in connection with the shooting.

The lawsuit alleges that both the shooter and the event organizers acted negligently. The complaint names leaders of the Utah 50501 movement, the group responsible for organizing the rally and coordinating volunteer security personnel, as defendants. According to the filing, organizers failed to conduct adequate background checks on individuals serving as volunteer security and did not provide proper training on crowd management or de-escalation techniques. The lawsuit further asserts that attendees were not informed that armed security personnel would be present within the crowd.

Attorneys Jim McConkie and Richard Lambert represent the Ah Loo family in the case and maintain that the tragedy could have been prevented if proper safety protocols had been followed. McConkie emphasized that widely recognized safety standards prioritize de-escalation and careful assessment before the use of force. “Had nationally accepted safety procedures been followed instead of immediately resorting to gunfire, the outcome could have been very different,” McConkie said. “Arthur Afa Folasa Ah Loo was a devoted husband and father who lost his life because the right precautions were not taken.”

Beyond seeking legal accountability, the Ah Loo family hopes the lawsuit will raise awareness about the responsibilities associated with organizing large public events. They are urging event planners to implement stronger safeguards, particularly when armed security personnel are involved. The family hopes the case will lead to improved safety practices that protect participants and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Laura Ah Loo has expressed that while nothing can undo her family’s loss, she hopes the legal action will help ensure greater accountability and contribute to safer public gatherings moving forward.

To learn more about the lawsuit, visit ParkerandMcConkie.com.

CASE INFORMATION

Third Judicial District Court
Afa Ah Loo wrongful death lawsuit
Case No. 251915142