Club Q shooter sentenced to 55 additional life sentences

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) – The closure for survivors and families devastated by the Club Q tragedy took another step forward Tuesday as shooter Anderson Aldrich pleaded guilty to 74 federal charges in Denver.

It was the final step in a long legal process and a last chance for victims to speak to the person who injured or killed their loved ones.

Aldrich was already serving life in prison after pleading guilty to state charges in 2023, but there have been other hate crimes and gun offenses in the federal system.

Following a plea deal approved by a federal judge, this separate case has now led to 55 additional life sentences and an additional 190 years in prison.

Aldrich wore an orange jumpsuit and remained handcuffed the entire time.

His face was pale and his head was covered in scars left by the blows he received after being subdued at the end of the shooting on November 19, 2022, which killed 5 people and injured more than a dozen. 'others.

The federal investigation revealed much of the fallout from the state's case last year, namely that Aldrich amassed an arsenal of guns and ammunition, researched mass shootings and s was engaged in anti-gay hate speech and online extremism.

Prosecutors told the judge Tuesday that Aldrich spent $9,000 on gun purchases from at least 56 different sellers between September 2020 and the day of the attack.

They said the shooter apparently intended to livestream the attack using an iPhone affixed to the hat the accused was wearing, after investigators found several test videos on the same phone .

Even before this week's hearing, the two sides had already reached a plea agreement, but the judge was unwilling to approve it until he had heard from those affected by the tragedy and decided for himself whether the punishment was adapted to the crimes.

Nearly everyone who spoke said they would like to see Aldrich receive the death penalty.

Deputy Attorney General Kristen Clarke declined to comment on internal discussions about not seeking the death penalty, but said the sentence was strong.

“We are pleased with the severe sentence handed down by the court today, 55 consecutive life sentences plus an additional 190 years without the possibility of parole,” she said.

Shooting survivor Ed Sanders says the closure that follows this latest guilty plea will allow victims and survivors to move on.

“I hope this should be the end, but I guess it will never end for us,” he said after the hearing.

Former Club Q employee Svetlana Heim added: “It was like the last chapter of a book. It's done now. Very final.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said he hopes this plea and sentencing will effectively allow everyone involved to move forward.

“It is our sincere hope that the conclusion of this legal journey marks an important step on the path to continued healing for all those affected by this unconscionable tragedy,” he said.

Despite the new federal sentence, Aldrich will remain in the custody of the Colorado Department of Corrections, although Aldrich is currently being held in a Wyoming prison.

The only thing Aldrich said in court Tuesday was “Yes, your honor,” “No, your honor,” while listing the different medications he takes for his mental health issues.

Aldrich chose not to make any statements to the judge or victims when he had the chance, but they nodded when many victims made theirs.

It wasn't necessarily an apology for ruining so many lives, but rather an acknowledgment that they are responsible.