A Colorado resident, Anderson Lee Aldrich, 23, has been charged with federal hate crimes and firearms offenses in connection with the mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQI+ venue in Colorado Springs on November 19, 2022. The charges allege that Aldrich killed five people, injured 19 others, and attempted to kill 26 more during a premeditated attack. According to the charging information, Aldrich entered Club Q armed with a loaded assault weapon and opened fire until being subdued by patrons. The prosecution alleges that the attack was motivated by the actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity of individuals present.
Aldrich has filed a notice of disposition and requested a change of plea hearing. After consultation with victims, both parties have jointly requested that the court schedule plea and sentencing hearings for the same date. They also informed the court of an existing plea agreement under which Aldrich is expected to plead guilty to all charges; however, no date for entry of plea has been set.
U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mark D. Michalek of the FBI Denver Field Office announced these developments. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Denver Field Office along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison Connaughty and Bryan Fields from the District of Colorado as well as Trial Attorney Maura White from the Civil Rights Division.
Officials noted that "an information is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
