SDS Condemns the Q-Nightclub Shooting in Colorado Springs

Students for a Democratic Society stands with the people of Colorado Springs in the wake of the shooting that took place at Q-Nightclub on the 19th of November. We condemn this act of senseless, bigoted violence. According to a report from Colorado Public Radio, the shooter, a 22 year old male, entered Club Q, an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs, and began shooting people with a rifle. Five people died and 25 people were injured. Two people fought with the gunman and stopped him from continuing to shoot. The owners of the club said on facebook, “Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community…We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”

This mass shooting does not come in a vacuum, it comes in the wake of relentless attacks on the LGBTQ+ community across the United States, most recently with the threats of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill becoming national in scope. Transgender students are being banned from participating in sports across the country while having their right to gender affirming care stripped away. We recognize this shooting for what it is; an overt attack on the LGBTQ+ community, and a violent and deadly act of LGBTQ+ repression driven by consistent anti-Trans and anti-Queer rhetoric.

Students for a Democratic Society condemns all attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, and we send our condolences to the families and friends of those who were murdered in this horrific attack last night.

We demand an end to legislative attacks against LGBTQ+ people!
We demand an end to the media's incitement of hate and terrorist acts towards LGBTQ+ communities!
We demand an end to homophobic and transphobic attacks!
We won’t take another step back!