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Five people were killed and no less than dozens were wounded in a shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Police have arrested a 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich who was apprehended at the scene of the crime. The shooter was disarmed by and subdued by club patrons shortly after the shooting began.
Law Enforcement received a call reporting a shooting at Club Q Saturday Nov. 19 at 11:57pm.
As the investigation continues, more information about Aldrich is coming to light, and his past run-ins with law enforcement.
In June 2021, Aldrich’s mother contacted authorities saying she was afraid her son was going to harm her. He was accused of threatening her with a homemade bomb and various other weapons he had on hand.
When law enforcement arrived, there was a standoff between police and Aldrich, with Aldrich surrendering and taken into custody, according to El Paso County Sheriff’s Department.
Former Cook County Chicago Assistant States Attorney Dan Kirk told Fox News in an interview that it is shocking someone accused of charged with using weapons threateningly was not fully prosecuted.
“This is the kind of red flag that really should prevent somebody from having access to dangerous firearms,” he said. “I think that all states and the federal government need to take a good hard look at creating sensible red flag laws.”
Because no explosives were found on Aldrich after the encounter with his mother, Kirk highlighted the difference between making a threat and actually performing a bomb attack.
“It’s a felony, but it’s a disorderly conduct felony,” Kirk shared. “It’s not a very high-class felony. So, depending on the person’s background, if they didn’t have a significant kind of background, you may not expect that they would get more than a relatively light slap on the wrist for a first offense.”
In wake of horrific acts such as this, politicians and activists have already politicized this tragic event and began pointing fingers trying to find an outlet to blame.
President Joe Biden has already released a statement calling for a ban on what anti-gun activists call “assault weapons.”
“We must address the public health epidemic of gun violence in all of its forms. Earlier this year, I signed the most significant gun safety law in nearly three decades, in addition to taking other historic actions. But we must do more. We need to enact an assault weapons ban to get weapons of war off America’s streets,” he wrote.
Many others have blamed the gun used as well, described by authorities as a “long-rifle.” The suspect also allegedly had a handgun on his person as well.
Faith leaders such as Franklin Graham have spoken out and condemned this senseless act of violence.
As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 5 people killed in last night’s shooting at a bar in Colorado Springs, and the many others who were injured. What took place was absolutely evil. https://t.co/BkHFixNZ90
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) November 21, 2022
As the investigation continues, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who is the first openly gay man elected to the position of governor in the United States, has said that the state of Colorado will assist the investigation with whatever resources they need.
“My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor (John) Suthers and clarified that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs,” Polis declared.
In tragic times such as these, Christians are commanded to help to those who are hurting. To reach out and offer aid to those who are suffering from this assault. Jesus offers those affected true peace and healing from such a traumatic event, and out of a tragedy bring about restoration and salvation. 
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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