One gunman opened fire on those inside a gay nightclub out in Colorado just prior to midnight this past Saturday, resulting in five deaths with at least another 25 more reported as injured, explained police officials.
The horrible events took place inside Club Q in Colorado Springs, which on its website describes itself online as an “adult-oriented gay and lesbian nightclub hosting theme nights such as karaoke, drag shows & DJs.” The suspected gunman was officially detained and pulled into police custody almost directly after the attack.
Police stated that the suspected gunman, a 22-year-old male, went into the club and started firing his weapon instantly. At least two of those inside the club rushed to confront and effectively stopped the shooter, explained police.
John Suthers, the Mayor of Colorado Springs, stated, “their actions clearly saved lives,” and Adrian Vasquez, the Police Chief of Colorado Springs, labeled the pair as “heroic.”
The suspect made use of a long rifle, according to local police forces. At least two firearms were confiscated at the crime scene. The suspect was transported to an area hospital, but authorities stated that he had not been shot in the event.
As reported by the New York Times, police officials in Colorado arrested someone with the same name and age as the suspect last year after a bomb threat went out to Colorado Springs.
Michael Allen, the district attorney, stated during an update this past Sunday morning that the attack “appears to be carried out by one person.”
“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the management of the club expressed in a release. “Our prays (sic) 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.”
Primary reports claimed that 18 people in the club were reported as injured, but officials with the city raised that number on Sunday morning to where it sits at 25. A total of two are still labeled as in critical condition.
#Breaking: Colorado Springs Police confirm five are dead and 18 injured in the Club Q shooting! pic.twitter.com/RZuP6cEaYp
— Brian Sherrod (@briansherrodtv) November 20, 2022
The gunfire kicked off just prior to midnight and the gunman was first taken into custody just a few minutes later, as reported by police. Police officials were sent out to the club at 11:56 PM and the suspect was in police hands just over six minutes later.
The FBI is working alongside local authorities with the lead agency being Colorado Springs Police Department. Law enforcement has not officially announced any possible motive.
“This is horrific, sickening, and devastating,” stated Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, who holds the title of the state’s first openly gay governor, in a release. “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 LGBTQ Community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn.”