FIVE people have been killed and 18 injured in a shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs on Saturday evening.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight local time at Club Q on North Academy Boulevard.
Police say they are still looking into a motive as part of their investigation, however in a statement, the venue branded the shooting a 'hate attack'.
Jessy Smith Cruz embraces Jadzia Dax McClendon near Club Q the morning after the shooting (Image: JASON CONNOLLY/AFP via Getty Images)A suspect detained at the premises was later treated at a local hospital and is currently in custody.
Active shooting
Lieutenant Pamela Castro of the Colorado Springs Police Department refused to go into details about the severity of the injuries sustained by the victims but said the figures relating to those injured and killed are 'subject to change'.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that we had a shooting at a local club this evening," she said.
"We got an initial phone call at about 11.57 in the evening that there was an active shooting at a local club known as Club Q.
Today, on #TransDayOfRemembrance we are waking up to devastating news. I’m heartbroken and angry.
A shooting at ClubQ, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, killed 5 and injured 18 others last night in a space where they went to feel safe. Our LGBTQ community was attacked.
— Daneya Esgar (@Dlesgar) November 20, 2022
"Numerous officers and medical immediately responded to the area and officers immediately made entry.
"They did locate one individual who we believe to be the suspect inside.
"At this point in time the investigation is in the very initial stages but I can tell you that we have 18 injured and five deceased.
Joshua Thurman, who was in the club at the time of the shooting, visited the site on Sunday (Image: JASON CONNOLLY/AFP via Getty Images)"That number is subject to change as the investigation continues."
The injured are being treated at several local hospitals.
'Senseless'
In a statement, the venue said its patrons had 'subdued the gunman' who carried out the attack.
"Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community," read a statement on their website.
"Our prays and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends.
"We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack."
Lt Castro added that homicide detectives are currently processing the scene and the FBI are assisting the investigation.
Mayor of Colorado Springs, John Suthers, is due to speak at a news conference scheduled to get underway at the Police Operations Center in the city at 8am MST (3pm GMT).
