At least 5 dead, 18 injured in shooting at Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub Club Q

COLORADO SPRINGS — Late Saturday night, first responders rushed to the scene of a shooting at Club Q nightclub in Colorado Springs, where police say 5 people were killed and 18 others were injured.

CSPD Chief Adrian Vasquez says the suspected shooter, Anderson Lee Aldrich, age 22, entered the club before midnight and immediately started shooting.

Vasquez confirms at least 2 customers immediately acted to stop the shooter. Officers arrived on the scene within three minutes of the first call and had the suspect in custody two minutes later.

The congregation of the All Souls Unitarian Universal Church in Colorado Springs is hosting a vigil event expected to start around noon. Watch that event live in the streaming player below.

The Chief confirmed multiple search warrants are being executed at this time. Police are asking anyone who may have information on the suspect or anyone potentially involved to please reach out to authorities. At this time, there is no known continued threat to the community.

Police confirmed they recovered two weapons from the scene of the shooting. Chief Vasquez says the suspect was armed with a long rifle.

The names of the victims are not available as authorities are working to locate potential next of kin as the El Paso County Coroner's Office conducts its investigation.

The suspect is currently being treated at the hospital. A UCHealth spokesperson says their facilities are treating 10 people from this attack, but can not provide specifics at this time.

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.

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 suspect.

Colorado Springs Police update on Club Q shooting

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."

According to the LGBTQ club's social media accounts, last night featured a 9 p.m. show with a group called Drag Divas. The location is inside a shopping center at the busy intersection of N Academy and N Carefree in Colorado Springs.

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.”

READ MORE: Witness describes shooting inside Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub

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 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.”

Out of respect for the community, another LGBTQ business nightclub, Icons, will be closed tonight.

News5's Ashley Portillo spoke to employees at Club Q 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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Unfortunately, Colorado Springs Police have experience with mass shootings. The most notable was the 2015 shootings at Planned Parenthood that claimed three lives and left eight wounded. The suspect in the mass shooting, Robert Dear, continues to go through mental health evaluations and treatments since his arrest.

His case was handled by state authorities for several years as he was held at the mental hospital in Pueblo, before being transferred into federal custody near Denver. The case has never gone to trial as Dear is repeatedly deemed not competent.

Editor's note: the spelling of the suspect's last name has been corrected.

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