Anderson Aldrich: Club Q shooter looks 'bloody and bruised' in mugshot after being hit on head by bystanders
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and graphic content that can be triggering to some. Readers' discretion advised
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO: The 22-year-old suspect accused of discharging firearms and killing five people and injuring dozens of others in a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub, appeared to be badly battered and bruised from the rampage in new mugshots. Suspect Anderson Lee Aldrich who identifies as nonbinary and uses the pronouns they/them, during their first court appearance looked bloodied and impaired as they slouched in a chair with head slumped and resting on their shoulder on Wednesday, November 23.
Aldrich marched into Club Q on Saturday, November 19, and started firing. The extensive bruises and discoloration come after being subdued by two bystanders in the middle of the alleged attack. Army Vet Richard Fierro and Navy sailor Thomas James heroically intervened and stopped the gunmen. Richard Fierro says he took Aldrich to the ground, hitting them in the head repeatedly with their own gun until he thought they was dead. Fierro added another trans woman joined him and stomped the shooter with her heels.
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#AndersonLeeAldrich appeared in court Wednesday for a bond hearing. The 22-year-old Club Q mass shooting suspect appeared to be disheveled and slouching in the chair while the judge denied bail. pic.twitter.com/lsxBIJ7ydy
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) November 23, 2022
Gunman Aldrich allegedly brought multiple firearms inside the property, including an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle. Thus far, they've been charged with five counts of first-degree murder and five counts of a bias-motivated crime causing bodily injury, reported TMZ. Defense attorneys have also requested to see the suspect's prior arrest records. Last year Aldrich was arrested for reportedly making a bomb threat and threatening their mom. No explosives were found, but gun control advocates are now questioning why Aldrich’s firearms weren’t seized under the state’s “red flag” laws.
A potential motive behind the crime is not known but a hate-crime charge would mean prosecutors believe they can prove bias as a motive, potentially based on sexual or gender identities of the victims. Aldrich's public defender says their client who identifies as nonbinary will be referred to as Mx Aldrich in future proceedings. However, it's the first time Aldrich has claimed to be part of the LGBT community on paper or even publicly, reported the source. Many are speculating whether this could be a play to avoid federal hate crime charges.
Aldrich’s next court appearance is set for December 6.