Organizer of patriot rally in Denver says it was never meant to turn violent
DENVER (KRDO) -- The investigation involving a deadly shooting during dueling demonstrations in Denver over the weekend continues. The man who organized one of the events says it was never meant to turn violent.
Marine Sergeant John Tiegen set up a 'Patriot Muster' near Civic Center Park on Saturday. He says he was across the street when 49-year-old Lee John Keltner was shot by Matthew Dolloff.
Dolloff was a security guard hired by Denver news station KUSA through the security firm Pinkerton to protect a news crew at the event.
"We didn't really know what was going on or what happened," Tiegen says. "Initially, it sounded more like a firework than a gunshot to me."
He says the event was meant to support law enforcement and take a stand against violent protestors. However, once word got out that this muster was happening, counter-protestors also came out.
"They followed us out of the arena," Tiegen said. "We didn't go over there and approach them. They came at us, they came and attacked us. They came and tried to get us into a fight."
This isn't the first time Tiegen has organized events like this. Back in August when protestors surrounded the home of a Colorado Springs police officer and blocked traffic, Tiegen was there with dozens of others saying he wasn't against the protest but was there to protect the neighborhood.
Tiegen has also been criticized by protesters during the George Floyd protests in Colorado Springs back in June. Tiegen and several other people holding military-style rifles were seen atop a parking garage overlooking the protesters in front of City Hall downtown. Some of the protesters said they felt threatened by the armed group because they had set up a sniper position.
But despite what happened over the weekend, Tiegen says he will continue to plan these events in the future.
The suspect in the shooting is facing first-degree murder charges and is currently in custody. KUSA is cooperating with this investigation.
