In Colorado Springs, CO there was a shooting that resulted in five men getting killed, and many others being injured. Anderson Lee Aldrich is facing five murder charges and five charges of committing bias-motivated crimes. The club quickly responded to the issue saying “quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.” Unfortunately this is not the first time Aldrich acted out with weapons, back in 2021 Aldrich was arrested after his mother reported he threatened her with a homemade bomb and other weapons. This situation raised questions on why the police never took the weapons away from him before this tragedy struck. Authorities said they did not find any explosives, but gun advocates still ask why police didn’t try to trigger Colorado’s “red flag” law, which would have allowed authorities to seize the weapons.

Out of the 25 people injured only 7 were in critical condition. Authorities were called to Club Q at 11:57 p.m. with a report of a shooting. One of the victims, Joshua Thurman, said “I could have lost my life — over what? What was the purpose?” he said as tears ran down his cheeks.

For Aldrich to be charged for a hate-crime it needs to be proven that this crime came from a place of hatred towards the sexual orientation or gender identity of the people targeted.  It is devastating that people like Aldrich exist. It’s absolutely heartbreaking and gut wrenching that this can happen anytime to anyone. These victims have been take from their families and children. Their families in mourning over their own child being killed due to someone’s ignorance. I am so sorry for everyone affected by these events, and I hope they can find peace someday and find closure.