The LGBTQ community is hurting this morning as they mourn 5 killed in Colorado.
Before midnight on Saturday, a 22-year-old gunman entered an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and opened shooting right away, police said. At least five people were killed and 18 others were injured before patrons challenged and stopped him, police said.
Adrian Vasquez, the chief of police in Colorado Springs, has named Anderson Lee Aldrich as the shooter at Club Q. Two firearms were discovered at the site, according to Vasquez, and he used a long rifle in the shooting. According to Vasquez, at least two clubgoers confronted and fought the shooter, stopping any further bloodshed.
The shooting didn’t last long. Numerous 911 calls were made to the police beginning at 11:56 p.m., officers were sent to the scene at 11:57 p.m., one officer arrived at midnight, and the suspect was apprehended at 12:02 a.m., according to the police. Police reported that 39 patrol officers altogether responded, and Fire Department Captain Mike Smaldino said that 11 ambulances arrived at the scene.
According to officials, several of the 18 injured people had gunshot wounds, but the precise number was unclear. Police stated that the suspect was receiving treatment in a hospital. Police claim that no shots were fired at him by officers. Police acknowledged Club Q’s connection to the LGBTQ community and stated they were looking into whether the attack was a case of hate crime.
Club Q announced earlier in the day that its Saturday night schedule would begin at 9 p.m. with a punk and alternative performance and end at 11 p.m. with a dance party. On Sunday for Transgender Day of Remembrance, the club also intended to host a drag brunch and a drag performance. Right now, according to the club’s website, it will be closed until further notice.
