Police in Colorado have confirmed that at least five people have died following a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorada Springs.
As reported by CNN, Colorado Springs Police Luitenent Pamela Castro confirmed that five people have lost their lives and a further 18 injured after gunfire broke out at Club Q on Saturday night.
First responders were dispatched to the scene after 9-1-1 calls came in at 11:57PM on November 19.
Colorado Springs Fire Captain Mike Smaldino confirmed that 11 ambulances were required at the scene.
Officials from the FBI were also present.
Castro told reporters: "They did locate one individual who we believe to be the suspect inside. At this point in time, the suspect is being treated, but is in custody."
No comment has been given regarding how the shooting subsided, but Castro did say that the incident was "not an officer-involved shooting".
Additionally, police have provided no motive for the attack.
In the last few hours, representatives for Club Q have taken to the nightclub's Facebook page to share the following message: "Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community.
"Our prays and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends. We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack."
On Google, the establishment describes itself as an "adult-oriented gay and lesbian nightclub hosting theme nights such as karaoke, drag shows, and DJs."
Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee has responded to the shooting on Twitter, writing: "Sickened and horrified by the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs.
"The LGBTQ+ community is once again the target of the most terrible violence.
"And devastating attacks like these will only become more common if we don’t fight back. It must stop."
Several outlets, such as CNN and Reuters, are drawing comparisons to the 2016 shooting at gay nightclub in Florida. In what was the worst mass shooting in US history at the time, 49 people lost their lives after a gunman opened fire at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando.
Our thoughts go out to all of those affected by this tragedy.
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