By SDCN Staff
Colorado Springs, CO–Five people were killed and 25 injured after a gunman opened fire at patrons at an LGBTQ+ club late Saturday night in Colorado Springs, authorities said.
Colorado Springs Police Department officers were dispatched to Club Q around midnight, following a 911 call of a shooting inside the building. When the first officer arrived on the scene the suspect was subdued by two heroic patrons at the club. The suspect was later identified as 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich. He was taken into custody.
During their investigation, officers located multiple firearms at the scene. The suspect reportedly used a long rifle during the shooting, law enforcement officials said.
The injured victims were transported to UC Health Memorial and Penrose hospitals. The names of the victims are not released until their families are notified.
“Colorado Springs is once again in mourning after the tragic shooting at Club Q late last night. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who are bearing the weight of this horrific tragedy. As indicated, there is much we are still waiting to learn about the incident, but we know one or more patrons heroically intervened to subdue the suspect, and we praise those individuals who did so because their actions saved lives,” said Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers in response to the mass shooting.
At a news conference, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said the suspect entered Club Q and immediately began shooting at people inside the club. Two patrons confronted and fought the suspect from continuing to kill and harm others.
“I want to express my deepest condolences to those families who have lost a loved one and those who were injured in this terribly sad and tragic shooting. I want every citizen in our city to know the men and women of the Colorado Springs Police Department stand with you during this tragedy. We are working tirelessly to ensure justice for the victims in this senseless and evil shooting. Club Q is a safe haven for our LGBTQ+ citizens. Every citizen has the right to be safe and secure in our city; to go about our beautiful city without fear of being harmed or treated poorly. I am so terribly saddened and heartbroken,” Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said.
Club Q released a statement on their Facebook page condemning the violence.
“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community. Our prays and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends. We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”
In response to the tragedy, Colorado Healing Fund, a state-based nonprofit organization, has launched a fundraiser to assist with the financial, emotional, and physical support of victims of the mass shooting. The organization will serve as the single point in Colorado for the collection of public donations in conjunction with community partners to coordinate the disbursement of funds to victims. The public can donate at https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/COHealingFund.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident. The motive of the shooting remains unknown.
