Colorado Springs Police Emphasize Using Correct Pronouns, Names of Club Q Shooting Victims

Mar. 15, 2025

Kelly Loving, Raymond Green, Ashley Paugh, Daniel Davis Aston and Derrick Rump.Photo: Colorado Springs Police Department

WhenColorado SpringsPolice Chief Adrian Vasquez released the names of thefive people killedin a mass shooting at Club Q over the weekend, he also included their pronouns.

Vasquez read their names: “Kelly Loving. Kelly’s pronouns are ‘she/her.’ Daniel Aston. Daniel’s pronouns are ‘he/him.’ Derrick Rump. Derrick’s pronouns are ‘he/him.’ Ashley Paugh. Ashley’s pronouns are ‘she/her.’ Raymond Green Vance. Raymond’s pronouns are ‘he/him.'”

“We strive to give the victims the dignity and respect that they deserve as well as shine the light of public attention on the victims,” Vasquez said.

The decision to use the correct names and pronouns of the victims of Saturday’s shooting at the LGBTQ club that killed five people and injured approximately 18 others was an easy one, police spokesperson Pamela Castro toldThe WashingtonPost.

‘Seen and Understood for Who They Were’

Members of the Civil rights organization GLAAD reached out to the police department prior to Monday’s press conference and police assured GLAAD that the correct language would be used.

Two of the victims — Kelly Loving and Daniel Aston — were transgender.

Club Q.Google Maps

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The department’s approach was the right one, said Olivia Hunt, policy director for the National Center for Transgender Equality.

TransLash Media founder Imara Jones tells PEOPLE that the police department’s decision “is exactly what should be done.”

Police allege the gunman, identified as 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich, was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and at least one other gun when he opened fire on patrons inside Club Q late Saturday evening at about 11:57 p.m. local time.

Owners of the club told theNew York Timesthat the shooter was wearing a military-style flak jacket and had at least six magazines of ammunition when he entered the nightclub.

source: people.com