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Club Q has been identified as Anderson Lee Aldrich, according to Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez.

A 22-year-old gunman entered an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado just before midnight on Saturday and immediately opened fire, killing at least five people and wounding 18 others, before patrons stopped him and disarm him, police said Sunday.

Suspect Arrested

The suspect in the shooting at Club Q has been identified as Anderson Lee Aldrich, according to Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez. He used a long rifle in the shooting and two firearms were found at the scene, he said.

At least two people inside the club stopped the gunman and prevented further violence, Vasquez said. “We owe them a great debt of thanks,” he said.

“Club Q is a safe haven for our LGBTQ citizens,” he added. “Every citizen has the right to feel safe and protected in our city, to walk around our beautiful city without fear of being harmed or mistreated.”

The incident lasted just a few minutes. Police received numerous 911 calls beginning at 11:56 p.m. m., officers were dispatched at 11:57 p.m. m., an officer arrived at midnight and the suspect was taken into custody at 12:02 a.m. m., police said.

“They located an individual that we believe to be the suspect inside,” Colorado Springs Police Lt. Pamela Castro said. “At this time, the suspect is being treated, but he is in custody.”

Statement

In a statement on social media, Club Q said it was “devastated by the senseless attack on our community” and appreciated “the quick reactions of the heroic customers who subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), five people have died, and at least 18 others were injured after the shooting.

Police did not release details of how the shooting ended, but Castro said “it was not an officer-involved shooting.”

Shooting

The location of the shooting is reminiscent of the 2016 attack on an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in which a gunman who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State killed 49 people and wounded at least 53.

Colorado has been the scene of some of the most egregious mass shootings in US history, including the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and the 2012 movie theater shooting in Aurora.

Club Q posted earlier in the day that their 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 drag show on Sunday for Transgender Remembrance Day. The club’s website now says it will be closed until further notice.

Castro did not say if the suspect was included in the count of people who were injured in the shooting.

Colorado Springs Fire Capt. Mike Smaldino said 11 ambulances responded to the scene after receiving multiple 911 calls.

“We will be here for many, many hours to come,” Castro said, adding that the FBI is on the scene and helping.