Protestors March To State Capitol Armed With Guns

Aug 30, 2020, 11:56 PM | Updated: Nov 29, 2022, 11:39 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — A group of protestors marched to the Capitol to rally against police brutality and in favor of equality, but the difference in Sunday’s rally was that most of the protestors were armed with semi-automatic weapons.

Militia groups have showed up to protests with guns before, but this time, groups that normally don’t arm themselves, exercised their second amendment rights as well. They were also joined by an unlikely ally.  

“You’ve gotta be able to fire back if somebody’s firing at you,” said John Sullivan. “Do you want to die? I don’t want to die.”

John Sullivan is one of the organizers of the rally. He’s with the Black Fist Coalition and Insurgents USA — two groups in support of Black Lives Matter that don’t typically protest with guns.

“I bought this bullet proof vest. I bought this gun and I spent a thousand dollars on these armored plates,” he said. “You think I want to do that? That’s the question. No I don’t, but I did in self defense,”

Sunday afternoon, 30-40 people marched from Washington Square to the Capitol, dressed in tactical gear and armed with semi-automatic weapons.

They were exercising their second amendment rights, adding they were prepared to defend themselves if needed from militia groups who sometimes show up at their protests.

“I want to make sure I keep myself safe when I’m going out here protesting and also say, ‘hey, I can also express myself the same way that you can. I can speak your language. I can carry guns as well,'” said Sullivan.

Some militia members did show up.

“Any opportunity that we have to exercise our second amendment right, we will seize it,” Sullivan said.

But in a twist, they were on the same side.

“I just want to simply show that we can stand in unity with each other, regardless of our views,” said Tyson Holyoak.

Tyson Holyoak is with the Utah Constitutional Militia.

He said while the groups represented Sunday afternoon may have differing opinions, everyone should have a right to free speech and the right to bear arms. 

And while many would argue that more people carrying guns around downtown Salt Lake is escalating tensions, both sides said they weren’t looking for a fight.

“I would rather have peace over confrontation. I don’t want to see anybody die or get hurt,” said Holyoak.

In total, the protest lasted several hours, but there were no acts of violence and no one fired a weapon.

KSL 5 TV Live

Jeff Kauffmann and other union members wait to hear discussion and voting on HB267...

Caitlyn Keith, Deseret News

Public labor union bill back to a complete ban on collective bargaining

After multiple changes were made to one of the most controversial bills of the 2025 legislative session, the latest House version of a public labor unions bill would once again completely prohibit public sector collective bargaining.

1 minute ago

Art displays draw attention to women's heart disease. (KSL TV)...

Karah Brackin

Art display brings attention to women’s heart disease

Acid reflux, the flu, or aging: These can be misconceptions about what is really going on, which is much more severe.

2 minutes ago

FILE – Weber County Sheriff's Office vehicle. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)...

Jacob Freeman

Woman dead after head-on crash in Weber County

A woman was killed and another driver was injured after a head-on crash on Highway 158 near Eden in Weber County Wednesday evening.

33 minutes ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Report: NHL Insider Shares Utah Hockey Club’s Potential Deadline, Summer Plans

NHL Insider David Pagnotta recently provided insight on what the Utah Hockey Club plans to do ahead of the trade deadline.

55 minutes ago

Utah farms commonly use wheel line irrigation systems, like the one seen here in Wayne County, Aug....

David Condos, KUER

Utah’s big water efficiency push may help farms more than the Colorado River

Water is precious to Dwight Brinkerhoff. Over the decades he’s farmed in Wayne County, the goal has been to stretch water supplies.

1 hour ago

SCPD arrested 44-year-old Craig Greene for allegedly being in possession of firearms and "suspected...

Devin Oldroyd

SLCPD arrest man allegedly in illegal possession of firearms and “suspected” drugs

The SLCPD arrested 44-year-old Craig Greene for allegedly being in possession of firearms and "suspected" drugs while on parole.

2 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Protestors March To State Capitol Armed With Guns