Anderson Aldrich

Mass Murderer

Anderson Lee Aldrich and the 2022 Club Q Massacre

Overview

Anderson Lee Aldrich carried out a mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, during the night of November 19 and the early morning of November 20, 2022. Aldrich, who was 22 years old at the time, entered the crowded club shortly before midnight and opened fire on employees and patrons. Five people were murdered, while numerous others suffered gunshot wounds or additional injuries during the attack and the panic that followed. Club Q was located at 3430 North Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs. It had operated for approximately two decades and was widely regarded as an important gathering place for the region's LGBTQ community. The shooting occurred on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance honoring transgender people killed through violence. Federal prosecutors later established that Aldrich deliberately targeted people because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Attack at Club Q

During the late evening of November 19, 2022, Club Q was hosting a dance party attended by employees, regular customers, performers and visitors. Shortly before midnight, Aldrich arrived at the nightclub carrying an AR-15-style rifle, a handgun and multiple rounds of ammunition. Aldrich also wore tactical equipment and used a large-capacity ammunition magazine. After entering the building, Aldrich immediately began firing. People near the entrance were among the first to be struck. Aldrich then moved farther into the nightclub, shooting toward the bar, dance floor and patio areas. Customers attempted to hide behind furniture, flee through exits or assist wounded friends while the gunfire continued. Daniel Aston, a Club Q bartender and performer, was working near the entrance when the shooting began. He was fatally wounded during the opening portion of the attack. Aldrich continued toward the bar area, where additional victims were shot, including Kelly Loving, Raymond Green Vance and Ashley Paugh. Derrick Rump, another Club Q bartender, was fatally shot near the club's patio area. The shooting lasted only several minutes, but the rapid gunfire caused extensive casualties. Nineteen people were wounded by bullets, and several additional people suffered other injuries while escaping, hiding or confronting the attacker. Police began receiving emergency calls at approximately 11:57 p.m. Officers arrived within minutes and entered the club after patrons had already subdued Aldrich.

Patrons Stop the Gunman

The massacre ended when several people inside Club Q confronted Aldrich. Army veteran Richard Fierro saw the shooter moving through the nightclub and rushed toward Aldrich. Fierro pulled the gunman to the floor, took control of a handgun and struck Aldrich while attempting to prevent another attack. Thomas James, a United States Navy petty officer who was wounded during the shooting, also assisted in restraining Aldrich. Other patrons helped move weapons away and hold the attacker until police officers arrived. Their intervention prevented Aldrich from continuing to fire into the crowded building and was widely credited with saving additional lives. Aldrich was injured during the struggle and was transported to a hospital under police custody. Investigators recovered the rifle and handgun used during the massacre, along with ammunition and tactical equipment. Aldrich was formally arrested after receiving medical treatment. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Derrick Rump 38 yr old Male

Former Colorado Resident Sentenced to Life in Prison for ...