Colorado – Five dead in US nightclub shooting – News

  • Five people were killed and 18 injured in a shooting at a nightclub in the US city of Colorado Springs.
  • The shots were fired in a club frequented mainly by lesbians and gays.
  • US President Joe Biden condemned the act.

A 22-year-old man entered the club with a gun and immediately started shooting, police said on Sunday. He was overpowered by at least two guests and is injured in the hospital. Several wounded club-goers have life-threatening injuries, doctors said.

A police spokeswoman said investigations were still ongoing into whether it was a case of hate crime. The federal police FBI, which is active in such cases, also takes part. The attack happened on the night of Transgender Day, a day to commemorate victims of transphobia. A transgender party was scheduled for the night at Club Q, which was attacked, local broadcaster KRDO reported.

Legend:

Flowers and a sign that reads “Love Not Hate” lie near the Q nightclub in Colorado Springs.

Keystone/AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan

“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the Facebook page said. “We are grateful for the quick responses from heroic guests who overpowered the gunman and ended this hate attack.” On its Facebook page, Club Q invites people to drag shows, among other things.

One of the largest operations in Colorado Springs history

It was initially unclear how many people were in the club at the time of the crime. Some of the injuries could not come from shots, but from the crush when fleeing. It is also possible that the information on the number of injuries will be adjusted, since some people drove to hospitals in private vehicles instead of ambulances.

Attack on «Pulse» nightclub


open box
close the box

In 2016, 49 people were killed in an attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, which is popular with the LGBTQ community. The shooter claimed responsibility for the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization.

Numerous police cars with blue lights flashing around the club could be seen on TV pictures. KRDO spoke of one of the largest operations in Colorado Springs history. The police emphasized that there was a quick reaction: the first call came in three minutes before midnight, at 00:02 the suspect was already in custody. Another weapon was found at the crime scene.

US President Joe Biden stressed that the gay, lesbian and trans community in America had experienced “terrible violence” in recent years. “We must not tolerate hate,” Biden wrote in a statement, reiterating his call for tighter gun laws.

source site-72