Gay bar shot up 2020

As part of a plea agreement, Aldrich repeatedly admitted on Tuesday to evidence of hate. Aldrich, 24, is already serving life in prison after pleading guilty to state charges last year. Federal prosecutors focused on proving that the Nov. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney, the first openly gay federal judge in Colorado, heard heart-wrenching testimony from victims before accepting the 2020, which also includes a total of years on gun charges and other counts.

Several of the survivors said they wanted the death penalty, but Sweeney explained that capital punishment had not been sought by prosecutors and would need to have been imposed by a shot. Instead, the life sentences will mean no drawn-out appeals and no more hearings where a hate crime defendant might become a symbol. Adriana Vance, whose son Raymond Green Vance was killed, said she wakes up screaming.

I forgive you. We, the queer community, we are the resilient ones. Aldrich, appearing in an orange prison uniform with head shaved and wrists handcuffed, faced the victims as they spoke but declined to make his own statement when given the chance. Defense attorney David Kraut made no explicit mention of hate or bias in his comments.

Kraut said there was no singular explanation for what bar the mass shooting, but mentioned childhood trauma, an abusive mother, online extremism, drug use and access to guns as factors that increased the risk his client would engage in extreme violence. Defense attorneys in the state case had pushed back against hate charges, arguing Aldrich was drugged with cocaine and medication.

A state prosecutor called that an effort to avoid responsibility for hate crimes. Aldrich visited the club at least eight times before returning in a tactical vest and carrying an AR style rifle, first killing a person in the entryway and gay shooting at bartenders and customers before targeting people on the dance floor.

A Navy officer grabbed the rifle barrel, burning his hand, and an Army veteran helped subdue Aldrich until police arrived.

Shooter who killed 5 at a Colorado LGBTQ+ club pleads guilty to 50 federal hate crimes

Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded federal law in to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Skip to Content. NBC News Logo. Search Search. Profile My News Sign Out. Sign In Create your free profile.

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