Police mugshots of the suspect in the attack on an LGBTQ establishment in Colorado have been released after the defendant appeared in court for the first time.
Images of Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was arrested in the aftermath of the mass shooting at the Q Club headquarters in Colorado Springs, have been released by the city’s police department.
Five people were killed and at least 25 injured in Saturday night’s crash.
Mug shots show Aldrich with visible wounds on his face and neck that are thought to be the result of “heroic people“who stepped in when they saw what was going on.
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 in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, said he rushed over the suspect, pulled him to the ground, grabbed a gun and shot him.
Another club-goer, Thomas James, removed his gun and kicked the suspect, while a drag artist stomped on the suspect’s face in high heels, Fierro said.
“I wish I could do more,” added the veteran. “But those (five) people aren’t home tonight, and I am. And I’m really upset by that. It’s not something I’m proud of.”
After he was beaten into submission by club patrons, police took the suspect to hospital to be treated 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 prison on Wednesday, where they could be seen slumped in a chair with visible bruises on their faces.
It appeared that two defense attorneys were to prompt Aldrich during the brief video appearance.
The suspect spoke up twice, with a confused response, confirming his name and saying “no” when the judge asked if they had any questions.
Late Tuesday evening, defense attorneys said the defendant is non-binary and in a footnote to their filing said Aldrich prefers to use the pronouns “they” and “they.”
Read more: Suspect shooting up Colorado gay club identifies as non-binary, lawyers say
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Victims of a shooting at a gay club in Colorado have recounted their ordeal.
While the motive for the shooting is still being investigated and prosecutors have yet to file formal charges, authorities said Aldrich faces possible murder and hate crime charges.
Hate crime charges would require prosecutors to prove that the alleged perpetrator was motivated by bias, such as against the victims’ actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Aldrich was ordered to be held without bail.
El Paso County Court Judge Charlotte Ankeny has set the next hearing for December 6.
