A gunman opened fire inside a gay nightclub in Colorado just before midnight Saturday, killing five people and wounding at least 18, authorities said.
The carnage occurred inside Club Q in Colorado Springs, which describes itself online as an “adult-oriented gay and lesbian nightclub hosting theme nights such as karaoke, drag shows & DJs.” The gunman, who was not identified, was among those being treated at local hospitals.
“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the establishment’s management said in a statement. “Our prays (sic) and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends. We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”
#Breaking: Colorado Springs Police confirm five are dead and 18 injured in the Club Q shooting! pic.twitter.com/RZuP6cEaYp
— Brian Sherrod (@briansherrodtv) November 20, 2022
The gunfire erupted just minutes before midnight, according to police. The FBI was on scene early Sunday and working with local police, according to Colorado Springs Police Lieutenant Pamela Castro.
“They did locate one individual who we believe to be the suspect inside,” Castro told CNN. “At this point in time, the suspect is being treated, but is in custody.”
An update is expected at 8 a.m. local time. Police have not discussed possible motives for the attack, but it brought to mind the 2016 mass shooting inside Pulse, an Orlando, Florida, gay nightclub, that left 49 people dead. The gunman, who died in a shootout with SWAT team members, was a follower of ISIS.
Club Q had planned to hold a “drag brunch” on Sunday to celebrate “Transgender Day of Remembrance.”
