Reports: Colorado Shooting Suspect Is Grandson Of San Diego Politician

SAN DIEGO, CA — The suspected gunman in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado is the grandson of Randy Voepel, a longtime politician in eastern San Diego County, according to media reports.

Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22, is the son of Laura Voepel, the daughter of state Assemblymember Randy Voepel, a Republican and Santee resident who has represented the 71st District since 2016. He previously served on the Santee City Council as a council member and mayor for two decades.

A gunman opened fire shortly before midnight Saturday inside Club Q in Colorado Springs, killing five people and injuring 25 others. The gunman, later identified as Aldrich, was subdued by patrons and arrested by police who arrived within minutes, authorities said Sunday.

Aldrich is in custody and receiving medical treatment. Police have not released a suspected motive for the attack, but Aldrich faces five counts of first degree murder and five counts of a bias-motivated crime causing bodily injury, according to media reports.

He remains hospitalized for injuries sustained during the incident.

The club called the shooting a "hate attack" on its Facebook page.

"Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community," the statement said. "Our (prayers) and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends. We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack."

Aldrich was also arrested by police last year for allegedly making a bomb threat, resulting in a standoff with police in Colorado Springs.

Aldrich's mother told police her son was threatening her "with a homemade bomb, multiple weapons, and ammunition," according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

Aldrich initially refused to surrender, but eventually was taken into custody. No explosives were found by police, who arrested him on suspicion of felony menacing and first-degree kidnapping. Media outlets reported that prosecutors did not move forward with charging Aldrich in connection with the incident.

Voepel's office has not commented on the relationship.

Voepel was elected to represent the 71st District in 2016. Redistricting changed boundaries last year, putting Voepel in the 75th District for the mid-term elections. Incumbent Marie Waldron, also a Republican, defeated Voepel with 67.82 percent to 32.18 percent of the vote, according to the latest unofficial results.

City News Service contributed to this report.