Colorado Springs: The Q Club Tragedy SITUATION In the early hours of November 20, 2022, a tragic and targeted act of violence unfolded in Colorado Springs. A mass shooting at Club Q, a well-known LGBTQ+ nightclub, resulted in five lives lost and 25 others injured. The suspect, 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich, was subdued on-site and hospitalized. This event deeply impacted the local community. While mass shootings are unfortunately frequent in the United States, the proximity and personal nature of this one made it especially devastating for residents, partners, and city stakeholders. Visit Colorado Springs, like many destination marketing organizations (DMOs), had experience managing crises such as natural disasters. However, this was the first time it was confronted with the complexities and sensitivities of a hate-driven mass shooting.
be directed to the City of Colorado Springs’ official website, which offered timely updates, public safety alerts and mental health resources.
CRISIS RESPONSE AND ACTIONS PHASE 1: IMMEDIATE RESPONSE – INFORM, MONITOR, PAUSE When the news broke late on Saturday night, Visit Colorado Springs’ communications team mobilized quickly. The initial priority was to define the organization’s role and determine how best to support the community while managing communications responsibly. Clarifying the Role As a DMO, the organization was not a primary responder, but it had a critical role to play in providing clarity and reinforcing trusted sources of information. It was decided that all inquiries would
Destinations International CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS HANDBOOK
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