Police snaps of the suspect in the attack on a Colorado LGBTQ venue have been released after the accused made his first court appearance.
Footage of Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was arrested following the Q Club mass shooting in Colorado Springs, was released by the city’s police department.
Five people were shot dead and at least 25 injured in Saturday night’s incident.
Mugshots show Aldrich with visible injuries to his face and neck believed to be from “heroic people“who intervened when they saw what was happening.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers paid tribute to two people, including 15-year U.S. Army veteran Richard Fierro, who was seated nearby when the shooting began.
Mr. Fierro, who has completed three tours of Iraq and one of Afghanistan, said he rushed the suspect, threw him to the ground, took a handgun from him and hit him with it.
Another clubgoer, Thomas James, pulled out the gun and kicked the suspect, while a flirt stomped on the suspect’s face with high heels, Mr Fierro said.
“I wish I could have done more,” added the veteran. “But these (five) people aren’t home tonight, and I am. And I’m really upset about that. It’s not something I’m proud of.”
After being beaten by club patrons, police took the suspect to hospital for treatment for his injuries.
Aldrich was then transferred to the El Paso County Jail on Tuesday.
The suspect made his first court appearance via video link from jail on Wednesday, where he could be seen slumped in a chair with visible bruises on his face.
Two defense attorneys appeared to need to invite Aldrich during the brief video appearance.
The suspect spoke twice, with a confused response, confirming his name and saying “no” when the judge asked if he had any questions.
Late Tuesday, defense attorneys said the defendant was non-binary and, in a footnote to their filing, claimed that Aldrich prefers to use the pronouns “they” and “them.”
Read more: Colorado gay club shooting suspect identifies as non-binary, lawyers say
Victims of a shooting at a gay club in Colorado have spoken out about their ordeal.
While the motive for the shooting is still under investigation and prosecutors have yet to file formal charges, authorities said Aldrich faces possible murder and felony charges. hate.
Hate crime charges would require prosecutors to prove that the alleged perpetrator was motivated by bias, such as against the victims’ real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Aldrich was ordered to be held without bond.
El Paso County Court Judge Charlotte Ankeny has set the next hearing for Dec. 6.
