Three months after the deadly mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, the owners announced their plans to reopen the venue and re-establish themselves as a safe space in the community.
“Our goal and intention has always been to return Club Q as a safe space for the Colorado Springs LGBTQIA+ community and will continue to tirelessly work towards that effort,” a statement posted to the venue’s Instagram account reads.
Daniel Aston, Kelly Loving, Ashley Paugh, Derrick Rump, and Raymond Green Vance were the victims of the November 19 shooting that left an additional 22 injured. Among those killed include two club employees, a first-time visitor from out of town who was celebrating their birthday, and a mother who worked with foster children. Anderson Lee Aldritch, 22, faces over 300 counts, including 10 counts of first-degree murder, 86 counts of attempted murder, and hate crime charges.
Club Q’s management expects to reopen with heightened security measures and a permanent tribute to those who lost their lives during the shooting. Additionally, the club will be working in conjunction with local women-owned architecture firm HB&A in renovating the nightclub and hopes to share potential layout concepts in the next four to six weeks.
The announcement of the reopening of Club Q is notable, considering most sites of mass shootings are closed down or demolished.
“To everyone who has asked me to reopen the club, I assure you we are working very hard to bring our home back. We look forward to being able to gather as one community again,” says club owner Matthew Hayes in a statement.
Featured image courtesy of coloradosprings.gov
