The Colorado Springs police department has published pictures of Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was detained after the shooting spree at the Q Club in that city.
At least 25 people were hurt in the event on Saturday night, which resulted in five fatal shootings.
Aldrich can be seen in the mug photographs with visible injuries to their face and neck, which are attributed to “amazing citizens” who stepped in to stop the attack when they witnessed it happening.
Mayor of Colorado Springs John Suthers paid respect to two individuals, including Richard Fierro, a 15-year veteran of the US Army who was seated nearby when the shooting began.
Mr. Fierro, who has served three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, claimed that he charged the suspect, knocked them to the ground, grabbed their revolver, and shot them in the face.
A drag performer allegedly stamped on the suspect’s face with high heels while another clubgoer, Thomas James, kicked the suspect and took the gun away, according to Mr. Fierro.
He continued, “I wish I could have done more.” “However, only I am home tonight; the other (five) aren’t. And that truly aggravates me. I’m not really proud of it.”
Police transported the suspect to the hospital to be treated for their wounds after beating them into submission by clubgoers.
On Tuesday, Aldrich was transferred to the El Paso County Jail.
The suspect appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday via video link from the jail, where they could be seen slouching in a chair with obvious facial bruises.
Throughout the brief video appearance, two defence attorneys seemed to need to prompt Aldrich.
When the court inquired if they had any questions, the suspect responded “no” twice in a slurred voice after confirming their name twice.
Defense attorneys claimed late on Tuesday that the defendant is nonbinary and that Aldrich prefers to use the pronouns “they” and “them” in a footnote to their filing.
Although the shooting’s motive is still under investigation and no formal charges have been brought, authorities said Aldrich could be charged with murder and a hate crime.
For a case to qualify as a hate crime, the prosecution would have to show that the alleged offender had bias against the victims’ actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Aldrich was told that he couldn’t post bail.
Judge Charlotte Ankeny of El Paso County Court scheduled the subsequent hearing for December 6.