MINNEAPOLIS — Police say at least five people were killed and 18 others injured during a shooting at a popular LGBTQ nightclub Saturday night in Colorado Springs.
The nightclub issued a statement on Facebook saying:
Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community. Our prays and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends. We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.
"I think we are all certainly feeling, you know, a sense of hurt for the folks deeply affected by this in Colorado Springs," said Kat Rohn, the Executive Director with OutFront MN.
Rohn says there's a sense of heaviness and sadness after the news of Saturday night's shooting.
"Certainly the Pulse nightclub shooting is one that resonates for folks around the same space, but there has been a string of hateful rhetoric aimed at the LGBTQ community throughout the past couple of years," said Rohn.
Sunday is also "Transgender Day of Remembrance," so events were held throughout the day all across the nation, including in Minneapolis.
"There's a deep sense of concern and vulnerability, especially here on Transgender Remembrance Day, it's a heavy day for community," said Rohn.
The Human Rights Campaign recorded hundreds of reported violent deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people in the last 10 years — including 32 in 2022 alone.
The Human Rights Campaign Incoming President Kelley Robinson released the following statement:
We are absolutely heartbroken by last night’s deadly shooting at an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs. We know anti-LGBTQ+ hate is on the rise and gun violence impacts our community at devastating rates. We are also observing Transgender Day of Remembrance today and over the last 10 years two-thirds of the more than 300 fatalities we’ve tracked involved gun violence. We must rise against hate in the strongest possible terms, we must stand together in solidarity and love with our LGBTQ+ family in Colorado Springs and demand an end to this epidemic of gun violence. From Pulse to Colorado Springs to so many other lives stolen from us— this has occurred for far too long. HRC mourns the lives taken at Club Q last night and extends our deepest strength, love and condolences to the loved ones impacted.”
While continuing to uplift the LGBTQ community, Rohn is now asking others to take the time to listen and offer support.
"In the midst of tragedy and deeply hurtful moments, to remember that we are still joyful, celebratory people and our lives aren't defined by tragedy, to tragedy or victimization," said Rohn.
The local bar scene in Minneapolis is also sending thoughts of support to the Colorado Springs LGBTQ community. Staff at eagleBOLTbar also issued a statement in response to the mass shooting saying:
It is horrifying. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the people who lost their lives or were hurt. The grief must be unimaginable for the staff and customers of Club Q. It’s reminiscent of the shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.
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