Police have released mugshots of a suspect in an attack on an LGBTQ venue in Colorado following the defendant’s first court appearance.
A photo of Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was arrested after the mass shooting at the Q club grounds in Colorado Springs, was released by the city’s police department.
Five people were shot dead and at least 25 wounded in Saturday night’s incident.
Mugshots show Aldridge with visible scars on his face and neck, believed to be due to “heroic figure“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 when the shooting began Nearby.
Mr. Fierro, who has completed three trips to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, said he charged at the suspects, pulled them to the ground, wrested a pistol from them and shot them with it.
Another club regular, Thomas James, drew a gun and kicked the suspect, while a drag performer stomped on the suspect’s face with a high heel, Mr Fierro said.
“I wish I could have done more,” the veteran added. “But those (five) people weren’t home tonight and I was. I’m very frustrated with that. It’s not something I’m proud of.”
Police took the suspect to hospital for treatment after being assaulted by club patrons.
Aldridge was transferred to the El Paso County Jail on Tuesday.
The suspects made their first court appearances via video link from prison on Wednesday, where they could be seen slumped on chairs with visible bruises on their faces.
During the brief video appearance, two defense attorneys appeared to need to tip Aldridge.
The suspects spoke twice, gave vague answers, confirmed their names and said “no” when the judge asked if they had any questions.
Late Tuesday, defense attorneys said the defendants were non-binary and claimed in a footnote to their filing that Aldridge preferred the pronouns “they” and “they.”
Read more: Colorado gay club shooting suspect identified as non-binary, attorney says
Victims of a shooting at a gay club in Colorado have spoken out about their ordeal.
While the motive for the shooting remains under investigation and prosecutors have yet to file formal charges, authorities say Aldridge could face murder and hate crime charges.
Hate crime charges would require prosecutors to prove that the alleged perpetrator acted with prejudice, such as against the victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Aldridge was ordered without bail.
El Paso County Court Judge Charlotte Ankeny set the next hearing for Dec. 6.