Based in North Carolina, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is located in Colorado to help recover after the deadly Club Q shooting.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — Police say a 22-year-old gunman killed five people and injured 17 as a memorial continues to grow outside a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs.
The suspect is in the hospital and is expected to face charges.
Currently, the North Carolina-based Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is assisting with the recovery in Colorado.
A team of pastors arrived in Colorado on Sunday and began work.
The group says it is listening and extending a helping hand to those still trying to wrap up Saturday night’s events.
Jason Scalzi is the pastor of the team. He says he has already made some connections with people in the area and listened to their stories.
According to Scalzi, members of the LGBTQ community said they felt their safe haven was compromised by the shooter.
Many are still grappling with the healing process, he says, and the team is doing what they can to help.
“We provide emotional and moral support to family, friends, community members and those who come to pay our respects from outside Colorado.
The team is working to help people in the community and victims.
Five people were killed and 17 injured, including Charlotte native Barrett Hudson.
He shared what happened when he was shot seven times inside Club Q.
“Some legitimate guys came in with AR-15s and started shooting people. I got seven shots in the back,” he said.
Hudson says he is grateful that the bullet didn’t hit a vital organ or spine.
He had recently moved to Colorado from Charlotte.
He plans to return to North Carolina to rehabilitate his injuries.
