COLORADO SPRINGS — At least 5 people are dead and another 25 injured after a mass shooting inside the LGBTQ business Club Q in Colorado Springs. The club was hosting a Drag Divas event when a man walked in with a long rifle and began firing on customers and staff, according to Colorado Springs Police.
The shooter has been identified as Anderson Lee Aldrich, age 22, of Colorado Springs. Police Chief Andrian Vasquez says two firearms were recovered at the scene, but it is not clear if both were in the suspect's possession. While the name of the suspect matches that of a suspect in a bomb threat back in 2021, Colorado Springs Police have not confirmed if it is the same person.
Colorado Springs Police expected to provide another update by noon Monday
People in Colorado Springs are showing up in droves to show their support. Multiple memorials and vigils have taken place throughout the day today that's where we find News5's Alasyn Zimmerman with a look at the community impact tonight.
Club Q shootingMultiple people shot overnight near Colorado Springs nightclub
By: Patrick Nelson , Anissa Connell , Benjamin Lloyd , Aidan HultingPosted at 2:18 AM, Nov 20, 2022 and last updated 10:37 PM, Nov 21, 2022
COLORADO SPRINGS — At least 5 people are dead and another 25 injured after a mass shooting inside the LGBTQ business Club Q in Colorado Springs. The club was hosting a Drag Divas event when a man walked in with a long rifle and began firing on customers and staff, according to Colorado Springs Police.
The shooter has been identified as Anderson Lee Aldrich, age 22, of Colorado Springs. Police Chief Andrian Vasquez says two firearms were recovered at the scene, but it is not clear if both were in the suspect's possession. While the name of the suspect matches that of a suspect in a bomb threat back in 2021, Colorado Springs Police have not confirmed if it is the same person.
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Police and fire units got the call at 11:57 a.m. from Club Q, near N Academy Blvd and N Carefree for shots fired at the club. Emergency personnel arrived in three minutes to find at least two people in the club had already subdued the suspect. He was in custody within minutes.
As friends and families mourn the dead, official confirmation of the victims' identities has not been made. Colorado Springs Police stated on social media there will be another update "by noon" Monday.
News5 will carry that update live on KOAA-TV, on our live streaming platforms (Roku, FireTV, AppleTV, AndroidTV), and our social media platforms.
Chief Adrian Vasquez confirmed multiple search warrants were executed in the wake of the shooting. Police are asking anyone who may have information on the suspect or anyone potentially involved to please reach out to authorities.
According to the Denver FBI Field Office, several federal agencies are reviewing the evidence "to determine what federal response is warranted."
Joshua Thurman was inside the club dancing when he heard gunshots and saw the muzzle flash of a long rifle being fired.
“I thought it was the music, so I kept dancing. Then I heard another set of shots and then me and a customer ran to the dressing room, got on the ground and locked the doors, and called the police immediately,” Thurman said.
Thurman said there was no time to think. He was reacting on instinct. While inside the dark dressing room with both entrances locked, he heard more shots and people screaming. He said thoughts of surviving, family and friends were racing through his mind.
“I hope I make it out alive,” he said he told himself. “[I was thinking of] my mom, my friends, my loved ones.”
The congregation of the All Souls Unitarian Universal Church in Colorado Springs held a vigil at noon. Governor Jared Polis and his husband Marlon Reis joined the congregation virtually to express their condolences.
If you would like to help, the Colorado Healing Fund now has a designated donation portal for the 'Club Q Tragedy'.
GoFundMe has also verified three fundraisers that are listed here to help the victims and their families.
The City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Police Department, advocacy groups, and outreach groups have been listing out resources and services for the Colorado Springs community and anyone affected by the Club Q shooting to seek help.
District Attorney Michael Allen confirms this will be a federal, state, and local investigation. There is no comment at this time if this was a targeted hate crime or if another motive was involved.
Club Q posted on their Facebook page stating they are "devastated by the senseless attack on our community". They express somber gratitude to their patrons by saying "we thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack."Officials react to deadly mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs
Colorado Governor Jared Polis released the following statement Sunday morning:
“This is horrific, sickening, and devastating. My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor Suthers and made it clear that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs. We are eternally grateful for the brave individuals who blocked the gunman likely saving lives in the process and for the first responders who responded swiftly to this horrific shooting. Colorado stands with
This is horrific, sickening, and devastating. My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor Suthers and made it clear that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs. We are eternally grateful for the brave individuals who blocked the gunman likely saving lives in the process and for the first responders who responded swiftly to this horrific shooting. Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn together.”
Senator Michael Bennet writes, “I’m devastated to hear about the shooting in Colorado Springs that cut five more lives tragically short. I’m thinking of their families and loved ones, and sending strength to those
who were injured, the survivors, and Colorado’s LGBTQ community. As we seek justice for this unimaginable act, we must do more to protect the LGBTQ community and stand firm against discrimination and hate in every form.”
What Club Q means to the LGBTQ community
Out of respect for the community, another LGBTQ business nightclub, Icons, closed for Sunday evening. News5's Ashley Portillo spoke to employees at Club Q and Icons in June during Pride Month.
“Colorado Springs, especially with such the big military population and the time being a different time, ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ was in place. There weren't places that you realistically could go out with your partner and not be fired,” said employee Jason Jusell.
“Club Q opened up so that it was intentionally just slightly out of the way so that people wouldn't see you going there, and that way, the gay military men would have a space that they would be able to feel safe and welcome at,” he added.
Jusell, who helps with music and lighting at the club says, since opening, progress has been made in acceptance and inclusion across the city.
“In my experience, I’ve definitely seen growth within our community over the last five to 10 years for sure,” said Jusell.
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