SALT LAKE CITY — Late in the evening of Saturday, Nov. 19, 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich opened fire at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

Aldrich killed at least five people and injured 18 others before being disarmed by patrons in the club. The Colorado Springs Police Department now has Aldrich in custody, according to Lt. Pamela Castro.

The shooting took place the day before Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is held annually on Nov. 20. 

Utah’s response to Colorado shooting

Various Utah leaders and organizations have released statements on the incident, sharing their condolences and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox released a statement via Twitter Sunday afternoon.

Abby and I are deeply saddened by the senseless tragedy in our neighboring Colorado. We add our prayers for those impacted and plead for kindness, love and unity with our LGBTQ community. https://t.co/Y8dcW3GUpm

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 20, 2022

Along with this, Utah LGBTQ+ non-profit Encircle said on Facebook that it is “shocked, saddened, and truly heartbroken,” due to the shooting.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall took to twitter to express her devastation.

Devastated, just devastated to read about another horrific act of violence targeted at the LGBTQ community. Salt Lake City mourns with our friends in Colorado Springs, and stands with the LGBTQ community everyday. #TDOR

— Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) November 20, 2022

Related: Mass shooting at LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs leaves at least 5 dead, 18 wounded

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