World Cup fan tackles gunman before police officer saves his life

A World Cup fan became a hero after bravely tackling a gunman at a watch party.

The fan’s life was saved by a police officer after being hit with a bullet that severed a major artery in his leg.

GoFundMe

California native Luis Romero is currently recovering in hospital after the gunman opened fire at the watch party in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

The incident occurred during the Group A clash between Mexico and South Korea on Thursday, June 18.

Fans were enjoying the game when gunfire was heard in the vicinity.

In an attempt to thwart the threat, Romero tackled the assailant but collapsed to the ground after a round was fired into his leg

Romero was bleeding heavily before LAPD Officer Helen Zhang intervened and saved him.

She quickly applied a tourniquet to his leg in a bid to stop further blood loss.

Footage of the shooting went viral and Romero later thanked the officer for saving his life.

Showing gratitude

Speaking to ABC7, Romero said: “Thank you for saving my life [and] for helping me.”

Zhang told reporters of what she was faced with and how she used her quick instincts.

“There was a lot of blood,” Zhang said. “Right away, I knew this man needed help right now. The training just kicked in.

GoFundMe

“He’s an older gentleman who reminded me of my father, certainly. I found out he was there with his son, so I’m just really happy that he made it.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support Romero and his family while he recovers from his injuries. 

A whopping $16,231 of the $20,000 target has been raised at the time of writing.

The shooting was one of multiple gunfire incidents that have overshadowed the World Cup.

The incident in Los Angeles came on the same day a shooting took place in New York City’s Times Square.

Another shooting took place in Boston following Cape Verde’s clash with Saudi Arabia last Friday, leaving multiple people injured.