Thomas James, Navy Sailor, was credited with disarming Colorado Springs shooting suspect.
An injured member of the U.S. Navy was able to help prevent further injuries during a shooting incident at a Gay nightclub Colorado, last Sunday: He said that he simply wanted to save the family he found.
Petty Officer 2nd class Thomas James James made his first public comments about the shooting in a statement through Centura Penrose Hospital, Colorado Springs. James is still recovering from injuries sustained during the attack.
Adrian Vasquez of the Colorado Springs Police Department stated that James was one among two men who assisted in stopping the shooter who entered Club Q late on November 19 with multiple firearms and a semiautomatic gun. He then shot five people to death. When a drag queen’s birthday party turned into a massacre, at least 17 other people were also injured.
James, an Army veteran, reportedly pulled a rifle from the reach of the shooter while pushing it out of his reach. Rich Fierro Officials have stated that the shooter repeatedly hit the bar with the handgun he brought to the bar.
James released a statement saying that “If I had my wish, I would shield every person I could from the nonsensical hate acts in the universe,” James stated. “Thankfully, we are all a family and our family looks out for one another.”
Club Q patrons said that while the bar provided a sense of community and celebration, the shooting shook them from their sense of security.
The shooting suspect — Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22 — was visibly injured during his initial court appearance on Wednesday. He was placed under arrest without bail. Aldrich has not spoken out about the shooting and no formal charges have been filed.
James stated that he wanted to offer support for anyone who has experienced the loss and pain that have become all too common in recent years. “My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones on Nov. 19 and those still healing from injuries.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, America’s first openly gay governor, was featured on “Face the Nation“, Sunday. He stated that he supports increasing licensing requirements for semiautomatic guns, improving mental healthcare services, and better use of Red flag laws This would allow courts to take weapons away from those with mental health problems or who could pose a threat to others. He also called for the reduction of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.
“We must pursue the anti-LGBTQ aspect if that, I think whether that will be the case in the case in the case, clearly the type of rhetoric out there which divides one group American against the other can send someone over the top and tragically motivate them to violence,” he said to “Face the Nation’ moderator Margaret Brennan. We need to be focused on national healing, bringing people closer together, and treating each other as brothers and sister.
James closed the statement by encouraging young LGBTQ members to be brave.
“Your family’s out there. James said, “You are loved and appreciated.” “So come out swinging when you come out from the closet.”