US Navy petty officer speaks out after halting Colorado Springs mass shooting
Justin Reutter
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas James has spoken publicly for the first time since club patrons ended a mass shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ night club the night of Nov. 19.
James, a Navy information systems technician stationed in Colorado Springs, reportedly stripped away a rifle from the person firing a weapon and repeatedly kicked them in the head, according to statements from retired U.S. Army Major Rich Fierro, who dragged down and beat the suspect until Colorado Springs police arrived.
James suffered an undisclosed injury during the attack.
James' first statement to the media, released Sunday by Centura Health, said, "I simply wanted to save the family I found."
"If I had my way, I would shield everyone from the nonsensical acts of hate in the world, but I am only one person," James wrote. "Thankfully, we are family, and family looks after one another. We came a long way from Stonewall. Bullies aren't invincible."
James expressed support for those recovering and sorrow for the five Club Q patrons killed and 17 injured in the shooting.
Among the dead were Raymond Green Vance, Kelly Loving, Daniel Aston, Derrick Rump and Ashley Paugh.
"I want to support everyone who has known the pain and loss that have been all too common these past few years. My thoughts are with those we lost on Nov. 19 and those who are still recovering from their injuries," James wrote. "To the youth, I say be brave. Your family is out there. You are loved and valued. So when you come out of the closet, come out swinging."
James is not currently conducting interviews with the press, according to a Centura Health spokesperson, but is focused on his recovery at Centura Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs.
A statement by the Navy last week asked that James' privacy be respected during recovery.
Both James and Fierro were hailed as heroes in a Nov. 21 press conference by Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers for their actions in stopping the suspect. Fierro stated a third bar patron, who has not yet been identified, was also involved in ending the shooting.
The suspect, Anderson Lee Aldrich, appeared in court on Wednesday, appearing barely cognizant and sitting in a wheelchair. Aldrich faces five counts of murder and five counts of committing a bias-motivated crime causing bodily injury.
A booking photo of Aldrich released by the Colorado Springs Police Department showed their face badly swollen and covered in bruises and abrasion marks. A new court date has been set for Dec. 6, although that date may be subject to change.
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @jayreutter1.