Suspect (22) identifies as non-binary

Following the deadly attack at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the first details have emerged about the alleged perpetrators. As the lawyers announced before Wednesday’s first hearing, Anderson Lee Aldrich (22) describes himself as non-binary, meaning he doesn’t see himself as a man or a woman.

Aldrich opened fire at Club Q in Colorado Springs on Saturday night, killing five people. In the attack, 18 people were injured, some seriously. The shooter was overpowered by two guests and was arrested by the police.

Aldrich’s purpose is not yet clear. At Wednesday’s first brief hearing, Aldrich was connected via video. He sat in the county jail in his orange inmate outfit and spoke only to confirm that his name and rights had been reported to him. The lawyers had previously informed the court in writing about non-binary gender identity.

Dad praised Aldrich for his violent behavior

US media also reported that Aldrich had a difficult childhood. As a baby his name was Nicholas Brink. However, his parents separated when he was two years old. Both parents had drug problems. Aldrich took a new name when he was younger.

Aldrich’s father, who says he used to be a porn actor and is now a martial arts coach, told CBS he “praised” Aldrich for his violent behavior as a child. “I told him it worked,” he said. The father told the New York Times that he also expressed his strong hatred for homosexuals to his son. “There are no gays in the Mormon Church,” he said on CBS.

On Saturday, Club Q celebrated the “victims of transphobia” memorial day with, among other events, a drag queen performance. November 20 is celebrated as “Transgender Remembrance Day” around the world. The English acronym LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. (AFP/chs)