Friends of Arturo Gamboa say they don't believe he ever brandished the weapon. Instead, they believe the shooting was a deadly miscommunication — someone overreacting because he was open-carrying.

A self-described “peacekeeper” shot three times at Gamboa. At least one of the bullets hit Gamboa in the side. Another bullet accidentally hit and killed a 39-year-old protester.

So some rookie sees a guy peacefully walking around with an AR-15 and starts blasting? Open carry is stupid, carrying an AR-15 alone at a protest is stupid. But it’s still the dude’s right. Maybe the “peacekeeper” was an off duty HiGhlY TraINeD cop.

    • Grimy@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      3 days ago

      From a legal standpoint, I think the difference is that one is under suspicion in jail and the other isn’t. They are just relaying information given by the police I think.

      • ccunning@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        Arturo Gamboa, 24, remains at the Salt Lake County Jail, booked on suspicion of murder.

        He has not been formally charged by prosecutors with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.

        Two peacekeepers were also “taken into custody” but have not been charged.

        They’ve all been booked and none have been charged so the “difference” is media spin alone.

        • Grimy@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          2 days ago

          Ya, I’m clearly mistaken. I’m guessing its like the other user said, Arturo and his family and willingly talking to the press.