A suspect accused of killing five people at an LGBTQ nightclub in the United States has been charged with murder, hate crimes and assault.
Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22, is accused of storming Club Q in Colorado Springs on Nov. 19 during a drag queen’s birthday party.
During a hearing in El Paso District Court today, he sat in a chair and appeared alert.
Police and witnesses said a suspect burst into the club with a rifle and pistol and opened fire indiscriminately.
Another 22 people suffered gunshot wounds or other injuries.
Two men with military backgrounds – Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Richard Fierro and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas James – he subdued the suspect until the police arrive.
Mr. Fierro told reporters he disarmed the suspect and subdued him at gunpoint.
In his custody photograph Aldrich has bruises on face and neck.
Anderson Lee Aldrich collapsed into a chair in a brief video appearance from prison last month. photo: AP
If convicted of first-degree murder, Aldrich faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
If his case remains statewide, he will not face the death penalty since Colorado no longer has it in its statute.
However, he could still face a death sentence in federal court if prosecutors decide to charge him with crimes under the US code.
