Five people were killed and dozens others were injured in a shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado, officials said.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich, allegedly began shooting as soon as he walked into Club Q in Colorado Springs late Saturday night, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez told reporters during a news conference Sunday morning.
At least two people, whom authorities described as heroes, then confronted Aldrich and fought with him, which saved more lives, police said.
The first 911 call came in at 11:56 p.m. Saturday and an officer was dispatched to the scene seconds later, Lt. Pamela Castro, spokesperson for the Colorado Springs Police Department, told reporters. The first officer arrived at midnight, and the suspect was detained by 12:02 a.m., Castro said.
At least two guns, including a long gun, were recovered from the scene, police said. The shooting is being investigated as a hate crime.
In addition to the five victims who died, at least 25 people were injured, according to Colorado Springs city officials.
Aldrich was injured and remains in the hospital, police said. His release will be determined by medical personnel, Castro said.
UCHealth Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs is caring for five patients who were injured in the shooting, according to a statement from the hospital.
Patients were also taken to UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central and Centura Penrose Hospital, according to the Colorado Springs Fire Department.
Officials are in the process of identifying the victims, Vasquez said.
On Friday, at approximately 1:56 p.m. deputies responded to a report of a bomb threat in the 9800 block of Rubicon Drive. According to EPSO, the reporting party said her son was threatening to cause harm to her with a homemade bomb, multiple weapons, and ammunition. The reporting party was not in the home at the time when she made the call and was not sure where her son was.
Deputies responded to the home and after further investigation realized the suspect, 21-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich was in the 6300 block of Pilgrimage Road (which is approximately 1 mile away from the address on Rubicon Drive). Our deputies contacted the suspect by phone and he refused to comply with orders to surrender.
At approximately 4:39 p.m. an emergency text notification was also sent out to homes within a 1/4-mile radius of the address.
At approximately 5:46 p.m. EPSO Crisis Negotiations Unit was successful in getting the suspect to comply with orders. He walked out the front door of the home and was apprehended. The Regional Explosives Unit cleared both homes and did not find any explosive devices.
Aldrich was booked into the El Paso County Jail on the following charges:
– 2 counts of Felony Menacing
– 3 counts of First-Degree Kidnapping
The suspect who allegedly killed five people at a Colorado gay club before being subdued by two revelers was identified Sunday as 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich.
The rampage occurred late Saturday at Club Q, an LGBTQ-themed venue that was hosting a drag show and dance party, officials said.
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Aldrich, 22, allegedly entered the club just before midnight and immediately began opening fire while penetrating the interior of the venue, police said at a Sunday morning press conference. He was injured and was being held in protective custody at a local hospital.
“At least two heroic people inside the club confronted and fought with the suspect and were able to stop the suspect from continuing to kill and harm others. We owe them a great debt of thanks,” said Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez.
Police arrived three minutes after receiving a 911 call, and were able to apprehend the suspect two minutes later, cops said.
Investigators were looking into Aldrich’s motive as they weighed hate crime charges against the suspect, who was presumed to be a lone gunman.
“Every person regardless of who they are, has the right to be secure from fear and physical harm, and actions taken to strike fear in specific communities will not be tolerated in our community,” Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen said.
“Every person regardless of who they are, has the right to be secure from fear and physical harm, and actions taken to strike fear in specific communities will not be tolerated in our community,” Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen said.
Two firearms were recovered at the scene, and witnesses told officials that Aldrich had opened fire with a long rifle.
Eighteen injured victims were being treated at local hospitals Sunday morning, in addition to Aldrich. It was unclear if they had all been shot or if some had been hurt while trying to flee to safety.
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