Club Q Resolution Marks Third Anniversary of Tragedy, Formalizing Support for Survivors

This resolution is straightforward: it formally recognizes the three-year anniversary of the devastating anti-LGBTQ+ attack at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which occurred on November 19, 2022. The text clearly identifies the five individuals who lost their lives—Raymond Green Vance, Ashley Paugh, Daniel Aston, Kelly Loving, and Derrick Rump—and notes that 17 people sustained gunshot wounds, with 32 others suffering various injuries, including severe mental and emotional trauma. Essentially, this is Congress putting its stamp on the historical record, acknowledging the tragedy and the ongoing impact on the community.

Acknowledging the Loss of a Safe Space

The resolution isn't just about the numbers; it addresses the deeper wound left by the attack. It specifically calls out that Club Q was a dedicated safe space for the LGBTQ community, and its loss, along with the violence itself, caused further trauma and a profound loss of safety for its members. For anyone who relies on community hubs—whether it’s a union hall, a specific coffee shop, or a religious center—the idea of that space being violated hits hard. This provision recognizes that the attack was not just a crime against individuals, but an attack on a vital community lifeline.

Putting Hate Crimes in Context

To drive home the severity of the incident, the resolution cites hard data, noting the 48,000-plus firearm-related deaths in the U.S. in 2022 and the 622 anti-LGBTQ hate crimes reported by the FBI that same year. By framing the Club Q attack as a "destructive form of identity-based hate," the resolution solidifies the understanding that this violence was targeted. This is important because it moves the tragedy beyond a random act and places it squarely in the context of systemic issues of gun violence and targeted hate.

Commending Bravery and Continuing Support

One of the most powerful elements of this resolution is the formal commendation of the patrons—Richard M. Fierro, Drea Norman, and Petty Officer Thomas James—who intervened to disarm the shooter. This is a crucial detail, recognizing the extraordinary courage displayed in a terrifying moment. Furthermore, the resolution notes that the local community and state are actively working on long-term support, including a public memorial and a new resource center for those impacted. This shows that the recognition isn't just a moment of silence; it’s an affirmation of the continued commitment to the survivors and the broader Colorado Springs LGBTQ community, expressing ongoing solidarity and support three years later.