Utah DA charges protest safety volunteer with manslaughter
Utah prosecutors charged a volunteer safety monitor with manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a "No Kings" protester, saying he fired three shots and that the third round—fired over people’s heads at a large gathering—was reckless; DA Sim Gill proceeded with charges after a five‑judge panel denied a request for a grand jury, citing a similar Massachusetts case as informing the decision. Prosecutors said another safety volunteer, Arturo Roberto Gamboa, will not be charged due to insufficient evidence though his conduct was described as alarming, while Gamboa’s attorney says he walked with the rifle unloaded, pointed at the ground, and may not have heard commands to stop.
📌 Key Facts
- Salt Lake County DA Sim Gill charged a man identified as Alder in the shooting death of a 'No Kings' protester; prosecutors say Alder fired three shots and the third round was reckless.
- A five-judge panel denied the DA’s request for a grand jury in early November; prosecutors filed charges anyway after that denial.
- DA Sim Gill said a similar Massachusetts case influenced his office’s decision to proceed with charges.
- Prosecutors contend Alder fired three shots and that the third round, fired over people’s heads at a large gathering, was reckless and forms part of their case.
- Another volunteer who was with Alder told investigators it was not safe to open fire because the rifle carrier was moving toward the crowd.
- Prosecutors announced Arturo Roberto Gamboa will not be charged due to insufficient evidence of a law violation, while noting his actions could be viewed as alarming and irresponsible.
- Gamboa’s attorney says Gamboa walked with the rifle unloaded and pointed at the ground and may not have heard commands to stop.
📊 Relevant Data
In Utah, manslaughter is committed when a person recklessly causes the death of another.
Utah Code Section 76-5-205 — Utah State Legislature
From 2014-2023 in Utah, the homicide rate was 6.0 per 100,000 for Black individuals, 5.0 per 100,000 for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander individuals, and 2.0 per 100,000 for White individuals.
Health Indicator Report - Homicide — IBIS-PH, Utah Department of Health
Utah's population is 75.7% White (Non-Hispanic), 15.4% Hispanic (combining categories), 2.3% Asian (Non-Hispanic), 1.1% Black (Non-Hispanic), and about 1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
Utah | Data USA — Data USA
Salt Lake City's population is approximately 70.5% White, 21.65% Hispanic/Latino (county level), 5.35% Asian, and 2.7% Black or African American.
Salt Lake City, Utah Population 2025 — World Population Review
📰 Sources (2)
- A five‑judge panel denied the DA’s request for a grand jury in early November; prosecutors charged anyway following that denial.
- DA Sim Gill said a similar Massachusetts case informed his office’s decision to proceed with charges.
- Prosecutors emphasized Alder fired three shots and argued the third round, fired over people’s heads at a large gathering, was reckless.
- Another safety volunteer with Alder believed it was not safe to open fire because the rifle carrier was moving toward the crowd.
- Prosecutors’ letter explains Arturo Roberto Gamboa will not be charged due to insufficient evidence of any law violation, though his actions could be seen as alarming and irresponsible.
- Defense detail: Gamboa’s attorney has said Gamboa walked with the rifle unloaded and pointed at the ground and may not have heard commands to stop.