Centennial State News

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, in a statement following the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, offered condolences and pledged help in helping the community move forward from the tragedy.

Five people were killed last week and 18 others were injured when a gunman opened fire in the club, according to NPR. The gunman, Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22, was treated for injuries sustained in the incident, according to the report this week, which also noted that court records were sealed and Colorado Springs District Attorney Michael Allen said the investigation is ongoing and charges likely will be filed.

"This is horrific, sickening and devastating,” Polis said in a released statement. “My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor Suthers and made it clear that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs."

Polis ordered state flags at all public buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of the shooting victims.

“To further honor and remember the victims and those injured in this tragedy, the Polis-Primavera administration will also be flying the Pride flag at the Colorado state capitol for the next five days,” Polis’ office said in the statement.

Those killed in the attack, according to CNN.com, were identified as Daniel Aston, Kelly Loving, Raymond Green Vance, Derrick Rump and Ashley Green Paugh. According to CNN, Vance was having dinner with family and friends, including Richard Fierro, who subdued Aldrich during the attack.

In a statement on the Facebook page of Atrevida Beer Co, Jessica Fierro – a co-owner of the company – said she has struggled with how to address the tragedy.

“My family, friends and I decided to have a fun night out. We went to @clubqcoloradosprings to celebrate another dear friend’s birthday,” she wrote on Facebook. “Unfortunately, we were all there when the shooter entered. It was absolute havoc. It was terrifying.”

Jessica Fierro noted that one friend, Kassy, suffered a broken knee as she sought safety, and another friend was shot multiple times. Fierro herself was bruised and another, Richard Fierro, sustained injuries to his hands, knees and ankle as he subdued Aldrich.

“He was covered in blood,” she added in the Facebook post. “Everyone is recovering, thankfully. No one. NO ONE should ever have to witness bloodshed like this.”

Jessica Fierro noted that Raymond Green Vance was a part of their party and had been dating her daughter, Kassy, since she was in high school.

“We are going to miss him and his bright smile so much," she wrote in the post. "We are going through a lot of emotions as a family and as a brewery. The loss of lives and the injured are in our hearts. We are devastated and torn. We love our #lgbtq community and stand with them. This cowardly and despicable act of hate has no room in our lives or business.”

According to the governor’s website, Coloradans can securely contribute to community members in need by giving to the Colorado Healing Fund.

The Denverite also noted that there have been a number of vigils held, with more planned, including Queers for Q on Saturday, Nov. 26, at Cultura Chocolate, as well as an event at Town Hall Collaborative.

According to Denverite, Bread & Roses is working with Hope Tank to collect gift cards for victims’ families, which can be turned in at the mail slot at 1434 E. 22nd Ave. Donations, including artwork and services, can be offered for a silent auction. Tattoo artists willing to donate their services can provide flash tattoos.

The website also noted that a Try to Remember concert is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, at First Universalist Church, 4101 E. Hampden Ave., and will feature the Sage Singers, Denver’s elder chorus of LGBTQ and allied singers. Tickets are available online or at the door.