Democrats blamed GOP ‘anti-LGBTQ’ rhetoric for Colorado Springs shooting, but suspect is ‘non-binary’

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Democrats were quick to blame Republicans for fueling anti-LGBTQ rhetoric that led to the Colorado nightclub shooting on Saturday, but the motive is still unclear, and new details have emerged. which the drawer identifies as non-binary and uses the them/them pronouns.

“We must drive out the inequalities that contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people. We cannot and must not condone hate,” President Biden said on Sunday after a gunman killed five people and injured more. two dozen others at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs.

Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22, faces preliminary murder and hate crime charges for the attack, but prosecutors have yet to file formal charges. Local and federal authorities declined to answer questions about why hate crime charges were being considered. District Attorney Michael Allen said it’s important to show the community that bias-motivated crimes aren’t tolerated.

The White House has acknowledged that the motive for Saturday’s attack is still unknown, but that hasn’t stopped it from pointing the finger at anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.

Investigators work outside Club Q November 22, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. On Saturday, November 19, a gunman opened fire at the LGBTQ+ nightclub, killing 5 people and injuring 25 others, before being subdued by patrons. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images)

A woman and her daughter pay their respects at a makeshift memorial near Club Q on November 20, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

MONTAGE: MEDIA PINS COLORADO SPRINGS MASS SHOT ON REPUBLICANS

“This attack also comes amid a rise in violent rhetoric and threats against LGBTQI+ people across the country,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

“If you’re a politician or media personality who makes the LGBTQ community hated and feared – not because one of us has ever hurt you, but because you find it useful – then dare not be surprised when this type of violence ensues,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg tweeted Monday. “Don’t you dare be surprised.”

On Tuesday evening, it was reported that Aldrich’s public defenders had filed several standard motions referring to the suspect as “Mx. Aldrich”, noting in footnotes that the suspect identifies as non-binary. and used pronouns and without providing further details.

The motions dealt with issues such as unsealing and evidence gathering and did not directly concern Aldrich’s identity.

People hold candles during a vigil at Acacia Park for the victims of a mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub, at Acacia Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado on November 21, 2022. (Photo by CECILIA SANCHEZ/ AFP via Getty Images)

Hate crime charges would require proving the shooter was motivated by bias. Investigations revealed no information about a possible motive.

The preliminary hate crime charges, however, sparked a wave of criticism against conservatives, particularly Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert, after she tweeted that the victims and their families were in her prayers.

“You are encouraging this kind of hate. Get off Twitter and start looking within,” Buttigiegs’ husband Chasten replied.

“Republicans continue to run and spread anti-LGBTQ ideology and hatred while refusing to lift a finger on gun violence,” Chasten wrote. “It’s preventable, but only if they start seeing LGBTQ people as equals and themselves as leaders.”

“You’ve played a major role in elevating anti-LGBT+ hateful rhetoric and anti-trans lies while spending your time in Congress blocking even the most sensible gun safety laws,” tweeted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, DN.Y.

“Your rhetoric and lack of legislative courage and humanity have radicalized people to do the wrong and the unthinkable,” tweeted Rep. Jamaal Bowman, DN.Y.

“Your record is absolutely horrible,” tweeted Rep. Mondaire Jones, DN.Y. “You are using hateful rhetoric towards the LGBTQ+ community and have helped block even modest efforts to end gun violence. You are also one of the reasons we installed metal detectors outside the house floor.”

“Can you please stop bashing trans people and drag queens, @laurenboebert?” asked Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisc. “This type of rhetoric is partly responsible for the hatred and violence that is rampant.”

“You have demonized the LGBTQ+ community, called them groomers, attacked trans kids and weaponized anti-LGBTQ+ hate for political gain,” tweeted Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif. “Words have consequences and your vile rhetoric fuels this kind of violence.”

A clip showing CNN host Alisyn Camerota learning on-air that Aldrich is non-binary has gone viral. Camerota said twice during the segment that Aldrich “now identifies” as non-binary.

“I don’t know what to say about it,” she said. “That’s what he’s saying now.”

Camerota and another segment panelist suggested that lawyers advised Aldrich to pretend to be non-binary to avoid hate crime charges.

It was also revealed on Tuesday that Aldrichs’ name was changed from Nicholas Franklin Brink more than six years ago as a teenager, after Aldrichs’ grandparents filed a lawsuit on behalf of their grandchild seeking protection from father with history of domestic violence. Her grandparents were her legal guardian at the time, as her mother struggled with crime and mental health issues.

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Aldrich was previously arrested in 2021 after Aldrich’s mother reported that her child threatened her with a pipe bomb and other weapons. Doorbell video obtained by The Associated Press showed Aldrich arriving at the mother’s front door with a large black bag on the day of the bomb threat, telling her that police were nearby and adding, ” That’s where I stand. Today I die.”

Police said no explosives were found and no formal charges were filed in the case.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Jessica Chasmar is a digital editor on the political team at Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].

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