At least five people were killed and 18 injured in a shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs in the US state of Colorado, police said.
“It’s with a heavy heart I have to tell you that we had a shooting at a local club this evening. We got an initial phone call at about 11:57 in the evening [06:57 GMT on Sunday] that there was an active shooting at a local club known as Club Q,” said Colorado Springs Lieutenant Pamela Castro.
The suspect was identified as Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22, and Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said on Sunday that he used a “long rifle” and immediately began shooting after entering the nightclub.
“At least two heroic people inside the club confronted and fought with the suspect and were able to stop the suspect from continuing to kill and harm others,” Vasquez told a press conference.
The suspect was in custody and was being treated for injuries, Castro said earlier.
Club Q, where the attack took place, released a statement on Facebook, saying it was “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.”
In its Google listing, Club Q describes itself as an “adult-oriented gay and lesbian nightclub hosting theme nights such as karaoke, drag shows & DJs”.
The police were yet to provide information on the motivation behind the attack.
Images from the scene after the shooting showed security and emergency vehicles with flashing blinkers parked on a street near the venue.
President Joe Biden said on Sunday that Americans “cannot and must not tolerate hate”.
Source:aljazeera.com
