DENVER — After a deadly shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ nightclub, many organizations and elected officials offered words of support to those effected.
The shooting happened just before midnight at Club Q, with five people killed and 17 other shot, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). An 18th person was injured but not shot, and another victim didn't have visible injuries, according to police.
The suspect, 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich, was found inside the nightclub after police responded to calls of an active shooter, police said. He was transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation and is in custody, according to police.
Two patrons of the nightclub managed to fight with Aldrich to keep him from injuring more people inside the club, according the CSPD.
News of the shooting prompted messages of support from multiple organizations and elected officials.
The Center on Colfax, an organization promoting a safe and welcoming space for Colorado's LGBTQ+ community issued this statement on their Facebook page: "We are shocked and saddened to wake up to this tragic news of a senseless act of violence against the LGBTQ community. We are grief-stricken on behalf of the friends and family of those who died and on behalf of the Colorado Springs community who are coping with these tragic losses at a time when many families are preparing to gather for the holidays. "
President Joe Biden's statement said in part:
"While no motive in this attack is yet clear, we know that the LGBTQI+ community has been subjected to horrific hate violence in recent years. Gun violence continues to have a devastating and particular impact on LGBTQI+ communities across our nation and threats of violence are increasing. We saw it six years ago in Orlando, when our nation suffered the deadliest attack affecting the LGBTQI+ community in American history. We continue to see it in the epidemic of violence and murder against transgender women – especially transgender women of color. And tragically, we saw it last night in this devastating attack by a gunman wielding a long rifle at an LGBTQI+ nightclub in Colorado Springs.
"Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence. Yet it happens far too often. We must drive out the inequities that contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people. We cannot and must not tolerate hate."
Sen. Michael Bennet had this to say: “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.”
General manager of Triangle, Sean O'Grady, issued this statement: "Tonight, our LGBTQIA family in Colorado Springs faced a terrifying and abhorrent act of violence because of who they are and who they love. Our hearts are with our Colorado Springs family. Out of an abundance of caution and to allow our team to leave to be with their loved ones, we ended our night slightly early. Our hearts are with everyone affected. We will return tomorrow with extra security precautions in place. We stand with our Colorado Springs family and are here to support them any way we can."
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis released this statement: “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.”
Colorado Springs Mayor, John Suthers, released this statement: “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. We also thank our first responders from across the Pikes Peak region who quickly responded to help those in need
We are a strong community that has shown resilience in the face of hate and violence in the past, and we will do that again. As a community, we will provide for the victims and witnesses of this horrific event and law enforcement will pursue this case with the zealousness that the case deserves.”
Colorado Springs Police Chief, Adrian Vasquez, said in his statement: “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.”
Former U.S. Rep Gabrielle Giffords said in a statement: "I’m devastated over last night’s attack against the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado Springs. Club Q was described as a fun and inclusive local venue, a place to escape hate, discrimination, and violence. This sense of refuge was obliterated in a hail of bullets. No one should fear for their lives because of who they are or who they love, but sadly our nation’s gun laws too frequently allow individuals motivated by hate to commit heinous acts of violence. Colorado has seen far too many acts of violence. We grieve with the LGBTQ+ and Colorado Springs communities. We must, can, and will do more to disarm hate and protect our communities from gun violence."
Assistant Minority Leader Mike Lynch (R-Wellington) released this statement: "The Colorado House Republicans are deeply saddened by the incomprehensible violence and loss of life that occurred last night at Club Q in Colorado Springs. We want all of those affected directly or indirectly in the LGBTQ community to know we mourn with them. Violence has no place in a civilized society. We are grateful to those patrons and law enforcement who risked their own safety to subdue the attacker and saved many more lives. We will overcome this tragedy and show the rest of the nation what it means to be Colorado Strong."
The Denver Police Department released this statement: "Our hearts go out to the Colorado Springs community and our LGBTQ+ community. We remain in communication with our state and federal law enforcement partners monitoring the situation, and no threats have been identified in Denver. We are conducting extra patrols when possible around LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses as a precaution."
El Paso County Public Health offered resources for those who need to talk:
The Denver Broncos will be holding a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting before today's game against the Las Vegas Raiders:
The Aurora Police Department sent out a tweet showing support for the LGBTQ+ community:
Representative Lauren Boebert tweeted this response:
Mourning the victims of the Club Q nightclub shooting in Colorado Springs
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