A gunman opened fire at a gay and lesbian nightclub Saturday night, killing at least five people and injuring 25 others.
According to a report by The Washington Post, Club Q, where the shooting took place, described the violence, which occured on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, as a “hate attack.”
Officials said that they were investigating whether the shooting was a hate crime and that they would seek murder charges for the suspect, a 22-year-old man who was previously arrested for allegedly making a bomb threat.
The suspect was in custody and being treated for injuries at a hospital Sunday morning, Lt. Pamela Castro, a police spokesperson, told reporters. She declined to comment on a motive and said the FBI was assisting in the investigation.
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Here’s what to know about the incident;
Police identified the lone suspect as Anderson Lee Aldrich. He was injured and overpowered, authorities said, after firing with a “long gun.”
Some patrons at the club “confronted and fought” the shooter, preventing others from being killed, police said.
At least two people were in critical condition Sunday. Authorities had not released the identities of the victims.
President Biden sent a message of support to LGBTQ people and said the attack was part of “horrific hate violence” that has plagued the country in recent years. “Gun violence continues to have a devastating and particular impact on LGBTQI+ communities across our nation and threats of violence are increasing,” he said in a statement.
Club Q also took to their social media pages to condemn the senseless and prayed for the victims’ families;
See below;
May the soul of the departed rest in peace. AMEN
