Veteran tackled Colorado shooter to save ‘everybody in that room’
Colorado Springs police honored the patrons who subdued shooting suspect after he opened fire inside the Club Q nightclub killing five people.
Anthony Jackson and Damien Henderson, Associated Press
Since stopping a mass shooter at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs on November 19, US Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas James has made his first public remarks.
According to statements from retired U.S. Army Major Rich Fierro, who dragged down and beat the shooter until Colorado Springs Police arrived, James, a Navy information systems technician stationed in Colorado Springs, took a rifle away from the shooter and kicked him repeatedly in the head.
James sustained an unknown injury. James stated in his first media interview, which Centura Health made public on Sunday, that he “just wanted to save the family I encountered.”
James wrote, “If I had my way, I’d protect everyone from the senseless acts of hate in the world, but I’m only one person.” “We are family, and family takes care of one another, which is a blessing. From Stonewall, we have come a long way. Bullies are vulnerable.”
James expressed sympathy for the 17 injured, five fatal Club Q patrons (Raymond Green Vance, Kelly Loving, Daniel Aston, Derrick Rump, and Ashley Paugh), and support for those who are healing.
COLORADO SPRINGS VICTIMS: A performer, a buddy who was “supportive,” and a “fantastic mother”
The attack at Club Q followed a decades-old pattern, which extremism specialists had anticipated.
“I want to provide comfort to everyone who has experienced the suffering and loss that have been all too prevalent in recent years. I’m thinking of those who passed away on November 19 and others who are still recovering from their wounds “James composed. “I advise the youth to show courage. There is your family somewhere. You are cherished and treasured. So make a strong entrance as you emerge from the closet.”
According to Centura Health, James is not doing interviews and is still concentrating on getting better.
The Navy requested last week that James’ privacy be respected while he recovers in a statement.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers praised James and Fierro for their deeds during a press conference on Nov. 21. Fierro claimed that the shooter was also stopped by a third, unnamed bar patron.
Suspect charged with five counts of murder and two hate crimes in the Colorado nightclub massacre
Anderson Lee Aldrich, the shooting suspect, appeared barely conscious as he sat in a wheelchair in court on Wednesday. Aldrich is charged with five counts of murder and five counts of causing bodily harm while acting with bias.
Aldrich’s face was noticeably swollen and covered in bruises and abrasion marks in a Colorado Springs Police Department booking photo. Dec. 6 has been designated as a new court date.
