On June 14, I attended the No Kings protest in Salt Lake City. The organizers clearly said, “Weapons will not be tolerated.” Arturo Gamboa and a self-described peacekeeper chose to ignore that directive.
On June 24, The Tribune published an article, “What we know about Arturo Gamboa.” In the article, the author quoted sources describing Gamboa as a person who “cares deeply about his community, is a peaceful person, and a responsible gun owner, who has carried his weapon openly in at least a dozen other events.” Excuse me? Gamboa is not the unfortunate victim of a misunderstanding.
I sincerely doubt any “responsible gun owner” would run toward a crowd with an assault weapon. In addition, it is wildly unlikely any witness to this behavior would not assess it as a threat. I was disappointed the article did not present the perspectives of those who were traumatized by Gamboa’s actions on that day. To ignore the fact that open-carrying an assault rifle was, and should be, perceived as threatening behavior was ludicrous. This single act by Gamboa precipitated a series of tragic events that resulted in the death of an innocent human being.
You really missed the mark of balanced journalism this time.
KayeLynn Van Wagenen, Ivins
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