Who is Anderson Lee Aldrich? Colorado Springs Club Q shooting suspect, 22, was subdued by 2 brave patrons
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion advised
COLORADO SPRING, COLORADO: Anderson Lee Aldrich was identified as the suspect who allegedly killed five people and wounded at least 25 people at a Colorado gay club before being subdued by two patrons. Aldrich has been taken into custody and is currently being treated for his injuries. The incident occurred on Saturday, November 19 at Club Q, a famous hang-out spot called an "adult-oriented gay & lesbian nightclub hosting theme nights such as karaoke, drag shows & DJs."
The 22-year-old gunman unloaded his weapon in Club Q while the venue hosted a drag show and dance party. Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez explained that Aldrich entered the club on Saturday shortly before midnight and used a long rifle in the shooting, and two firearms were found at the scene. Talking about the people who subdued Aldrich, Vasquez said, "We owe them a great debt of thanks. Club Q is a safe haven for our LGBTQ citizens. Every citizen has a right to feel safe and secure in our city, to go about our beautiful city without fear of being harmed or treated poorly," as per CNN.
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Who is Anderson Lee Aldrich?
Aldrich is the primary suspect in relation to the Club Q shooting. The investigators revealed that two guns were recovered from the scene. It's unclear whether this is his first altercation with the law as the police refused to share his criminal history saying it's part of a broader investigation. However, reports shared by KOAA in June 2021 show a man with the same name and age being arrested by the police for threatening his mother with "a homemade bomb, multiple weapons and ammunition," in the 6300 block of Pilgrimage Road.
The shooting comes right before the Transgender Day of Remembrance or TDOR, which is observed annually on November 20 in memory of people murdered as a result of transphobia. In 2016, a Muslan man opened fire in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and injuring 53 others while pledging allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist organization So far, no motive has been revealed by the police. Club Q addressed the shooting and posted on social media saying, "Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community. Our prays and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends. We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack."