Shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs: Politician Support and How You Can Help
On Saturday night around 11:56 pm, 4 minutes off from Transgender Day of Remembrance, police in Colorado Springs, Colorado began receiving 911 calls regarding an ongoing shooting at Club Q. The club is a popular stop for LGBTQ+ nightlife in Colorado.
Source: USA Today
The 22-year-old suspect, Anderson Lee Aldrich, killed 5 individuals and injured 25 during the shooting that lasted only minutes, according to CNN. During this time of fear, citizens of Colorado Springs and local officials have stepped up to offer a holding hand.
Colorado’s and the nation's first openly gay governor, Jared Polis, told CNN, “Everyone knew it. I knew it, knew this venue. It’s just shocking. That’s still setting in for people. But I know we’re going to bounce back. We’re showing love for one another. We’re showing healing for one another,” the governor said.”
Source: NBC News
President Biden released a statement from The White House today voicing his feelings and plans to combat the uptick in gun violence in America. “Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence,” Biden says. “Earlier this year, I signed the most significant gun safety law in nearly three decades, in addition to taking other historic actions. But we must do more. We need to enact an assault weapon ban to get weapons of war off America’s streets.”
The police are currently researching the shooters past, attempting to establish whether this was a targeted hate crime. Aldrich has ties to bomb threats, felony menacing, first-degree kidnapping. To receive live updates on police findings and more, follow up on CNN, NBC, The Gazette, and other publications.
Many are recalling to various publications like CNN how Club Q was somewhat of a “safe haven” for members of the LGBTQ+ community. “It’s a very warm, welcoming space, definitely a big step up for diversity in the Springs,” Tim Curran, a copy editor for CNN’s “Early Start,” and a regular at Club Q, told CNN.
The editors of The Lexington Line send their deep condolences to families and friends of affected individuals and all who are mourning as a result of the hate towards the LGBTQ+ community. Below are links to various organizations working towards LGBTQ+ rights, education, health, and specific funds for victims of the Club Q shooting.
Support for the Club Q Families and Survivors, organized by Faith Haug with LGBTQ-owned auto repair shop Good Judy Garage
Victims of Club Q Colorado Springs Mass Shooting, organized by Greg Resha (Kyree Myst), a former Club Q employee