Club Q shooting survivors announce legal action to hold government accountable

A makeshift memorial near the Club Q nightclub, site of a mass shooting, continues to grow on November 21, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

On the second anniversary of the deadly Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs, survivors and family members of those killed announced a federal lawsuit claiming that El Paso County officials and Club management Q could have prevented the shooting.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Colorado, claims that the El Paso County Board of Commissioners and former El Paso County Sheriff Bill Elder are guilty of the shooting because they refused to enforce Colorado’s “red flag” law and that the owners of Club Q. failed to implement sufficient security measures to ensure the safety of its customers.

Colorado’s Red Flag Law of 2019 allows law enforcement, roommates or family members to ask courts to issue a extreme risk protection order against an individual if there is evidence that he or she could pose a threat to himself or others by possessing a weapon.

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The plaintiffs include Adriana Vance, whose son Raymond Green was killed, Tanya Beal, whose daughter Kelly Loving was killed, and Julia Rump, whose son Derrick Rump was killed. Survivors of the trial include John Arcediano, Jancarlos Del Valle, Ashtin Gamblin, Jerecho Loveall, Anthony Malburg, Charlene Slaugh, James Slaugh and Brianna Winningham.

The Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin, which has represented victims of other mass shootings, including the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the Pulse nightclub shooting in Florida and the shooting of Highland Park on July 4, Illinois, represents the victims of Club Q. . Bufkin & Schneider, a Colorado Springs-based law firm, represents one victim, Barrett Hudson, who filed a separate lawsuit. Hudson was shot seven times at Club Q, and three bullets will remain in his body for the rest of his life because it was not possible to safely remove them, his attorney said.

Patrick Huber, senior attorney at Romanucci & Blandin, said the shooter, Anderson Lee Aldrich, declared his intention to carry out a mass shooting and that government entities failed to act accordingly.clear and credible warnings about the shooter’s violent intentions, choosing to prioritize political opposition to the red flag law over public safety.”

“The lawsuit seeks justice for the victims and their families, holding those responsible accountable for their failure to protect the community despite clear warning signs and foreseeable risks,” Huber said at a news conference announcing the trial Tuesday in Denver. “The lawsuit emphasizes that this tragedy was not an unavoidable act of violence, but the result of systemic failures on the part of those charged with protecting the public. »

The county commissioners adopted a resolution in 2019which Elder supported, “showing support for the Second Amendment” and said he would not enforce the red flag law. Huber said El Paso County’s “unconstitutional and reckless policy” of refusing to enforce the red flag law allowed that of Aldrich attack.

The lawsuit highlights Aldrich’s prior interactions with law enforcement, including a call their grandmother made in June 2021 reporting that Aldrich was “making a bomb in the basement” and that They said they planned to be “the next mass murderer.” Aldrich also threatened his grandparents while holding a loaded gun and said, “You die today and I’m taking you with me.” I’m loaded and ready. You don’t call anyone,” the lawsuit states.

The defendants include Commissioners, Elder, various LLCs linked to Club Q as well as its owners, Matthew Haynes, Kenneth Romines and Nicholas Grzecka. Club Q said in an anonymous statement emailed to Newsline that “we will address these matters in the appropriate venue” to respect legal process.

“The tragic events at Club Q remain a devastating chapter in our lives and in the life of our community. The pain of this tragedy is something we all carry with us every day,” the statement said. “The accusations against Club Q and myself are false and completely inaccurate and will be vigorously defended. The responsibility for this tragedy lies not with those who were hit, but with Anderson Aldrich, the shooter, and the system that allows easy access to weapons of war.

Newsline’s attempts to contact the BOCC of El Paso and Elder were unsuccessful. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said it would not comment on pending litigation.

Sarah Raisch, also a senior attorney at Romanucci & Blandin, said Club Q “has significantly reduced its security measures” despite increased risks for LGBTQ+ venues, particularly after the shooting at Pulse nightclub. She said the club’s ownership “consistently prioritized profits over people, leaving its customers vulnerable to this horrific attack.”

When the Pulse shooting occurred in 2016, Club Q had at least five security guards, one of whom was armed. The night of the Club Q shooting, only one security guard was employed at the club and also worked as a barback and food runner, according to the lawsuit.

“Club Q presented itself as a safe space, but that was a dangerous illusion. Raisch said. “Rather than increase security and risk management measures after Pulse, Club Q owners reduced security and reduced security measures.

The plaintiffs are seeking financial damages from the defendants named in the lawsuit, but they do not specify the amount. Huber said that would be decided in court.

Aldrich was sentenced to 55 concurrent life sentences. in June after pleading guilty to 74 hate crime and gun-related charges.

The victims are still recovering

Gamblin said she is lucky to have found a job that understands her limitations. She was working at the front door the night of the shooting and was shot nine times in both arms, resulting in fractures on both sides.

She can’t drive, cook for herself or walk her dogs because of the injuries she suffered in the shooting. Recently, she went to a concert with her mother and the sounds of the pyrotechnics used by the artist reminded her of gunshots.

“I have trouble doing things that I once found enjoyable,” Gamblin said. “I went from being someone who could fend for themselves while their spouse was gone to being absolutely terrified every time they leave because what if I couldn’t open my drinks or get help with cooking.”

Charlene Slaugh was shot multiple times and said the pain and memories of the shooting two years ago “remain as vivid as if they were yesterday.” She underwent several surgeries and underwent months of physical therapy. Her brother James was at the club with her the night of the shooting with her husband, Del Valle.

“Physically, I have come a long way. But emotional scars are much harder to heal. » Slaugh said. “There are still many times when the weight of it all becomes overwhelming. »

“There is a deep loneliness that comes with trauma like this,” she added. “I remember what it felt like to wonder if I was going to survive. These memories don’t just disappear. They have become an integral part of the fabric of my life.

Jacques Slaugh said he was now hypervigilant in a way he had never been before the shooting, always checking exits and monitoring other people’s behavior for something “that might seem odd.” He said survivors need “continued support, understanding, compassion and justice” as they try to live after the shooting.

“It’s hard to feel fully comfortable or safe, and that feeling changes everything about how I move in this world now,” he said.

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