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The FBI was involved in an investigation in Colorado Springs after a gunman killed five people and wounded 25 others after opening fire within minutes of entering an LGBT+ nightclub on Saturday night. Police and the district attorney’s office named 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich as a suspect. The suspect was reportedly carrying an AR-15-style rifle. Two firearms were recovered from the scene. At least “two heroic people inside the club confronted and fought the suspect” within minutes of his entry, according to Chief Adrian Vasquez. Police responded within minutes of multiple 911 calls from the scene just before midnight Saturday, when the club hosted drag acts and a DJ the day before the club to celebrate Transgender Day of Remembrance. President Joe Biden urged members of Congress to reinstate the ban on high-powered rifles, such as the AR-15-style weapon allegedly used in the attack. He also called on public officials to reject a “worrying wave” of legislation designed to marginalize LGBT+ people, as far-right activists and lawmakers continue to target drag shows.
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ICYMI: Joe Biden renews call to ban assault weapons after Colorado Springs ‘horse’ shooting
President Joe Biden reiterated his belief that America should reinstate the assault weapons ban after AR-15s were used in mass shootings yet again. The president issued a statement on Sunday, decrying the violence as “senseless” and adding that while police have yet to officially name a motive for the suspect’s rampage, it was clear that LGBT+ institutions and individual Americans were facing a renewed hatred from afar. correctly. “Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence,” he said. “But it happens very often. We must tackle the inequalities that contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people. We cannot and must not tolerate hatred.” Alex Woodward November 21, 2022 06:03 1669006800
Colorado Springs police will hold a resource fair to help the community grieve
The Colorado Springs Police Department will hold a resource fair “to provide members of our community with support in navigating the various emotions surrounding this tragedy” in the wake of Saturday’s massacre. The city will offer “mental health resources, spiritual support, emotional support animals, childcare, emergency financial resources, LGBTQ+ support, meals and other services,” according to officials. Uniformed officers will be present. the event will not be open to press or camera footage. Alex Woodward21 November 2022 05:00 1669006275
Who were the five people killed in the Colorado Springs shooting?
“I love the people I’ve met at this bar. It’s crazy how much support and love I’ve received here… you all saved my life.” That’s how Daniel Aston, a 28-year-old bartender at Club Q in Colorado Springs, the well-known LGBT+ nightclub, described it in a tweet in September. Here’s what we know so far about the five victims of the Colorado Springs shooting. Alisha Rahaman Sarkar21 November 2022 04:51 1669003254
The Pulse Foundation issues a statement regarding the latest mass attack involving LGBT+ people
The foundation created in the wake of the deadliest attack on LGBT+ people in US history is calling for an end to anti-LGBT+ violence. The onePULSE Foundation was established to preserve the legacy of the 49 people who were massacred at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida in 2016. “We are deeply saddened and horrified by the mass shooting at the Club Q nightclub in Colorado Springs that killed five people and injured 18 others,” the organization said in a statement. “Our sincere condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the injured and those affected by this tragedy,” the statement added. “We are grateful to the brave patrons whose heroic actions undoubtedly saved lives and to the first responders who rushed to the scene. While the details will emerge in the coming days, violence directed at members of the LGBTQIA+ community must end.” Alex Woodward21 November 2022 04:00 1669000044
Nancy Pelosi reacts to mass shootings: ‘Despicable’
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that “our hearts are broken by the senseless slaughter of at least five beautiful souls, and many more injured or forever scarred, in a sanctuary of safety and solidarity.” “The attack at Club Q, which fell on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance, is abhorrent — further destroying the sense of safety of LGBTQ Americans across the country,” he said. The attack “is a challenge to our conscience and a reminder that we must continue to fight to do more,” he added. Ms. Pelosi thanked the “heroic” patrons inside the club who stopped the suspect as well as the “courageous first responders at the scene. “ “May it be a comfort to the loved ones of those murdered and to the community of Colorado Springs that all of America mourns with them during this devastating time,” he said. Alex Woodward21 November 2022 03:07 1668998400
“I just mentioned it in young male aggression”
A Colorado Springs resident has given more details about her encounter with an “aggressive” Anderson Lee Aldrich. Leslie Bowman, who says she rented a spare room to Mr. Aldrich’s mother, Laura Voepel, for 15 months in 2020-21, told the Denver Post that she had confronted her about a bathroom problem. “He kind of got in my face and said ‘go away’ and slammed the door in my face,” Ms Bowman said. “I just chalked it up to the aggression of the young men. It was late and everyone was grumpy. There were no episodes after that.” Then, in June 2021, Mr. Aldrich was arrested for allegedly making bomb threats against his mother, who texted Ms. Bowman telling her not to come home. Ms Bowman said she collected Ms Voppel’s things the next day and some men from her church took them. Later, he learned that the case against Mr. Aldrich had been dropped. “The police, the investigators, the DA, nobody contacted me after that weekend. “Hope [Ms Voepel] it is OK. I’m sure we’ll find out soon.” Io Dodds21 November 2022 02:40 1668997267
Why did authorities drop bomb threat charges against Anderson Aldrich?
Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was arrested last year for making bomb threats, was never formally charged with any crime, according to local media. The Gazette, a Colorado Springs newspaper, updated its original story about the bomb threats today with this note: “No formal charges have been filed in this case, which has since been sealed, according to the district attorney’s office of the area”. In fact, the paper says Mr. Aldrich himself called one of its editors in August and asked them to remove the story. “There is absolutely nothing there, the case is dismissed and I am asking you to either remove or update the story,” Mr Aldrich was quoted as saying. “The entire case was dismissed.” Authorities have not yet confirmed whether it is the same Mr. Aldrich who is suspected in Saturday night’s massacre, but public records and social media evidence suggest it is the same person. Io Dodds21 November 2022 02:21 1668996054
How “heroic” witnesses stopped the violence inside Club Q
A group of “heroic patrons” is being praised after confronting a gunman who killed five people and wounding several others in a shooting at an LGBT+ nightclub in Colorado Springs on Saturday and preventing further violence. Alex Woodward21 November 2022 02:00 1668995947
‘Does anyone know of a fantastic defense attorney?’
What can we learn from the Facebook page of Laura Voepel, a 45-year-old Colorado Springs resident who appears to be the mother of shooting suspect Anderson Lee Aldrich? In a post from 2015, first spotted by Heavy, Mrs Voepel posted that her son was “surfing on cloud nine” after buying him a ghillie suit – a type of military camouflage designed for snipers and scouts – for the His 15th birthday. The date of the post matches the age of the suspect. The post also tagged Pamela Pullen, a relative of Ms Vopel, who said she celebrated different birthdays with “Anderson” in 2019. A Facebook post made by Anderson Lee Aldrich’s apparent mother (Laura Voepel via Facebook) In May of this year, Ms. Voepel asked a Colorado Springs women’s group, “Can anyone refer my son to a private boxing trainer? He’s 6’6 and punches like a truck. He can’t find a good gym or someone serious. He’s made huge life changes and needs this!” It’s unclear if this post refers to Anderson, although the 2015 post said he had already reached 6’3. A Facebook post by Anderson Lee Aldrich’s apparent mother (Laura Voepel via Facebook) Another post in February asked for recommendations for a “great trauma/PTSD therapist,” with Ms. Voepel adding in a comment that it was for a 21-year-old. Most notably, the month after an Anderson Lee Aldrich was arrested for alleged bomb threats, Ms. Voepel posted to the women’s group: “Hey sisters. Does anyone know a fantastic defense attorney? I ask this with a heavy heart, but my family he really needs help right now.” Io Dodds21 November 2022 01:59 1668994554
Everything we know about the mass shooting in Colorado Springs
A gunman killed five people and wounded 25 others during a mass shooting inside an LGBT+ nightclub in Colorado Springs on November 19. The attack has devastated Club Q, which has served as a safe haven for the city’s LGBT+ community since it opened 21 years ago. Here’s what we know so far as the investigation begins and the city mourns: Alex Woodward November 21, 2022 01:35
