"A war zone": LGBTQ nightclub shooting in Colorado Springs leaves at least 5 dead
A 22-year-old gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and leaving more than two dozen injured before he was subdued by "heroic" patrons and arrested by police who were on the scene within minutes, authorities said Sunday. At a news conference Sunday morning, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez identified the suspect as 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was being treated for injuries. Describing the nightclub, Club Q, as "a safe haven for our LGBTQ citizens," Vasquez said the suspect began shooting at patrons immediately after he entered the venue. As he moved further inside, at least two people confronted and fought him, stopping him from firing. The suspect used a "long rifle" and authorities found at least one other firearm when they arrived at the scene, according to the police chief. City officials said 25 people in total were injured. Of those 25, at least seven were in critical condition, authorities said. Some were hurt trying