Anderson Lee Aldrich Wiki - Anderson Lee Aldrich Bio
Anderson Lee Aldrich was identified as the suspect in a mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs. Police haven't released his photo. They also didn't share any motive for the shooting.
"The motive of the crime is part of the investigation and whether this was a hate crime is part of that investigation," Colorado Springs Police Department Deputy Chief Adrian Vasquez said.
At least two firearms were recovered at the scene, Vasquez said. The suspect used a rifle in the shooting, but Vasquez said investigators were working to determine if the other gun belonged to the suspect.
Age
Anderson Lee Aldrich is 22 years old.
LGBTQ Nightclub Shooting
The incident lasted just minutes. Police received numerous 911 calls starting at 11:56 p.m., officers were dispatched at 11:57 p.m., an officer arrived at midnight, and the suspect was detained at 12:02 a.m., police said.
"They did locate one individual who we believe to be the suspect inside," Colorado Springs Police Lt. Pamela Castro said. "At this point in time, the suspect is being treated, but is in custody."
In a statement on social media, Club Q said it was "devastated by the senseless attack on our community" and thanked "the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack."
Police did not release details of how the shooting ended, but Castro said, "this was not an officer-involved shooting."
The shooting location is reminiscent of the 2016 attack at an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando, Florida, where a gunman who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State killed 49 people and wounded at least 53.
Colorado has been the site of some of the most heinous mass shootings in US history, including the 1999 shooting in Columbine High School and the 2012 movie theater shooting in Aurora.
Police declined to speak about a possible motive in this latest shooting.
Club Q posted earlier that its Saturday night lineup would feature a punk and alternative show at 9 p.m. followed by a dance party at 11. The club also planned to hold a drag brunch and a drag show on Sunday for Transgender Day of Remembrance. The club's website now says it will be closed until further notice.
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Castro did not clarify whether the suspect was included in the count of people injured in the shooting.
Colorado Springs Fire Capt. Mike Smaldino said 11 ambulances responded to the scene after multiple 911 calls were received.
"We will be here for many, many hours to come," said Castro, adding that the FBI is on the scene and assisting.
At least five patients are being treated at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, vice president for hospital communications Dan Weaver said.