WSC Statement on Anti-LGBTQ+ Attack in Colorado Springs

Following the news of the mass shooting at an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs that left five dead and dozens injured, Western States Center’s Deputy Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Amy Herzfeld-Copple, issued the following statement:

“We are devastated by the deadly attack on the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado Springs. While we still don’t know all the details, we know that this horrific shooting occurred when homophobic and transphobic conspiracies, policy and violence is also on the rise in our country. We know that conspiracy theories are an accelerant to violence, and with each mass shooting we see again and again that a country awash in guns undermines the safety of communities targeted by bigoted movements.

“This attack demands a robust response from government leaders at every level. Elected officials from both parties and civic leaders of every stripe need to condemn hate and political violence and, just as importantly, speak up against those who are pushing anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracies and hate in an effort to build political power. It’s past time for a clear commitment to addressing the critical twin threats of hate-fueled violence and anti-democracy movements like white nationalism.”