Police identify 5 victims in Colorado Springs shooting; also identify 2 ‘heroes’

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Police have identified the five victims of the shooting at an LGBTQ+ bar in Colorado Springs, Colorado, over the weekend.

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In a news conference Monday after 3:30 p.m. MST, the Colorado Springs Police Department Chief Adrian Vasquez shared the identities of the five victims and their pronouns based on the wishes of their loved ones. Vasquez said that the families have all been notified.

“Too often society loses track of the victims of these sad and tragic events. We strive to give victims the dignity and respect they deserve, as well as shine the light of public attention to the victims. Therefore, we are identifying them now. We respect all of our community members, including our LGBTQ+ community. Therefore we will be identifying the victims by how they identified themselves and how their families have loved and identified them,” said CSPD in a Facebook post.

The victims have been identified by CSPD in a news release as Kelly Loving (she/her), Daniel Aston (he/him), Derrick Rump (he/him), Ashley Paugh (she/her) and Raymond Green Vance (he/him).

“I wanted to ensure that every victim, family member and friends of victims and all of our community members know that our officers and detectives will continue to be diligent and thorough to work to hold the suspect accountable for these horrendous acts,” said Vasquez.

The two “heroes” of the shooting were identified with their permission by CSPD in the news release as Thomas James and Richard Fierro. Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said in the news conference that their actions prevented even more tragedies.

The shooting happened just before midnight MST Saturday evening at Club Q, a nightclub in Colorado Springs, KDVR-TV reported. Police responded within four minutes and had the suspect in custody moments later.

The investigation is ongoing. Police expect to be at the scene for the next few days. No further information has been released.

Suthers in the news conference said that the Colorado Healing Fund is stepping in to assist the families of the victims. More information on the organization can be found on their website.

El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen said in the news conference that no formal charges have been made yet since the suspect remains in the hospital. Once he is released, the process will begin.

CSPD is asking victims and any with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-225-5324.

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