CLUB Q, ONE COLORADO, GLAAD STATEMENTS ON FORMAL CHARGES FILED AGAINST CLUB Q SHOOTING SUSPECT

(Colorado Springs, CO – December 6, 2022) — Today Colorado Springs police charged the suspect in last month’s mass shooting at Club Q with 305 criminal counts, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and bias-motivated crimes. The shooting left five people dead and injured approximately 20 others.

Matthew Haynes, one of the owners of Club Q where the shooting took place, released the following statement:

“We are encouraged by this morning’s announcement of formal charges in the heinous and deadly attack at Club Q, as it cements what we already knew: this was a targeted hate crime. The charges also affirm what we as a community demand: hate has no place here in Colorado Springs or anywhere. We are certain the Colorado District Attorney will prosecute and punish this mass murderer to the fullest extent of the law. The tragedy at Club Q shows that words matter and that words have real-world consequences. We continue to call out those who spread disgusting rhetoric and encourage violence against the LGBTQ community, to end this behavior immediately before more people get hurt. And we urge everyone to do what they can to speak up for LGBTQ people and everyone’s right to be safe.”

One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families, released the following statement:

“With a total of 305 formal charges, today Colorado prosecutors put forward the full scope of the case against the shooter who entered Club Q, killing 5 and injuring at least 19 more. One Colorado joins our community as we continue to grieve for the 5 lives lost: Ashley Paugh (she/her, 35 years old), Daniel Aston (he/him, 28 years old), Raymond Green Vance (he/him, 22 years old), Derrick Rump (he/him, 38 years old), and Kelly Loving (she/her, 40 years old). We are unwavering in our continued relief efforts and support for Club Q and the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado Springs. We stand resolute with LGBTQ+ Coloradans, our families and allies, as we await further adjudication, expecting justice for our community.”

Sarah Kate Ellis, the President and CEO of GLAAD, released the following statement:

“The survivors, families, and loved ones of those who died or were directly affected by the tragedy at Club Q must continue to be at the forefront of our minds as law enforcement officials begin the long process of delivering justice to the community. We are grateful that the severity of the charges filed today demonstrate an understanding that LGBTQ people and our allies were targeted for simply being who we are. Everyone, including LGBTQ people, should be able to feel safe, free, and welcome no matter who we are. Today’s news is a welcome step forward that sends a message that hate and violence against any group of people will not be tolerated.”

Photos of the people killed in the shooting can be found here. Their names and pronouns are: Kelly Loving (she/her), Daniel Aston (he/him); Derrick Rump (he/him); Ashley Paugh (she/her); and Raymond Green Vance (he/him). Additional details can be found here.

The Colorado Healing Fund has been activated to support all survivors and families: go to www.coloradohealingfund.org and click on the “Support Colorado Healing Fund” button.

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About One Colorado: One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families. We effectively advocate for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families by lobbying the General Assembly, the executive branch, and local governments on issues like safe schools, transgender equality, relationship recognition, and LGBTQ health and human services.