Gunman kills at least five people in LGBTQ nightclub attack in Colorado springs

Before midnight on Saturday, an armed 22-year-old entered an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He then opened fire right away, killing at least five people and wounding another 18, police said on Sunday.

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 scene, according to him, 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. We owe them a lot of gratitude, he remarked.

The encounter just lasted a few minutes. 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. 39 patrol officers in all were dispatched, according to the police.

Several of the 18 injured people have gunshot wounds, but the precise number was unclear, according to officials.

Police stated that the suspect was receiving treatment in a hospital. Police claim that no shots were fired at him by officers.

Police refused to comment on a potential motivation in this most recent shooting, although they did mention Club Q's connection to the LGBTQ community.

Vasquez declared that "Club Q is a safe sanctuary for our LGBTQ citizens." "Every person has a right to feel safe and secure in our city and to go about without fear of being injured or treated unfairly," the city's charter states.

The shooting scene is reminiscent of the 2016 attack in Orlando, Florida, on an LGBTQ nightclub, when a gunman who vowed loyalty to the Islamic State killed 49 people and injured at least 53 more. Some of the most horrifying mass shootings in US history have taken place in Colorado, including the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and the 2012 Aurora movie theater incident.

Club Q sent a statement on social media in which it expressed its "devastation" at the "senseless attack on our community" and appreciated "the courageous patrons' rapid actions that brought down the shooter and put an end to this hate attack."

Club Q announced earlier in the day that its Saturday night lineup 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. According to the club's website, it is currently closed and won't reopen.

According to Colorado Springs Fire Capt. Mike Smaldino, 11 ambulances arrived at the scene following many 911 calls.

"We will be here for many, many hours to come," said Castro, adding that the FBI is on the scene and assisting.

According to Dan Weaver, vice president of hospital relations at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, at least five patients are now being treated there.

The incident was described as "horrific, terrible, and devastating" in a statement by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, the first openly gay governor in the country, who also offered state resources to the local law enforcement.

"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," he said. "Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn together."

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