Rep. Jason Crow Welcomes Club Q Hero Richard M. Fierro as State of the Union Guest

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Representative Jason Crow with State of the Union Guest Richard. M. Fierro. Courtesy: The Office of Congressman Jason Crow.

Representative Jason Crow with State of the Union Guest Richard. M. Fierro. Courtesy: The Office of Congressman Jason Crow.

WASHINGTON  – Today, Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), Army veteran, will attend President Joseph Biden’s second State of the Union Address with guest Richard M. Fierro. Mr. Fierro is one of the people who disarmed the suspected shooter at Club Q in Colorado Springs on November 19-20, 2022. The President’s address falls on the last day of National Gun Violence Survivors Week. 

“I’m grateful to be joined by Richard Fierro for the State of the Union,” said Congressman Jason Crow. “I served in combat and know the call to defend and protect never fades from a soldier. Mr. Fierro put his own life in danger to stop the tragedy at Club Q, and I commend his bravery. Every day, we lose nearly 100 Americans to gun violence. As we remember the victims and stand with the survivors, we must take decisive steps to protect our community and ensure all of us can live and love without fear.”

An Army veteran and Colorado Springs resident, Mr. Fierro was with his wife, daughter, and his daughter’s boyfriend watching friends perform at the LGBTQ+ nightclub. When the shooter entered the club wearing body armor and opened fire, Fierro’s quick actions to subdue the gunman helped save countless lives.  

“I’m honored and humbled to attend this year’s State of the Union address as Congressman Crow’s guest. I served as a soldier for four combat tours and 15 years total, defending our country and fighting to protect our freedom at home. As the gunman entered Club Q, I knew I had to go into combat mode to protect my family, friends, and patrons who I will sadly never know. Thinking back to seeing some of the kids my daughter grew up with perform that night – I know that is what I fought for,” said Richard Fierro. “I also want to let my fellow survivors know that you are not alone. I hope that by sharing my story, others will be empowered to stand up to hate and speak out on this deadly gun violence epidemic.” 

Five people were killed in the Club Q shooting, including the boyfriend of Fierro’s daughter, Raymond Green Vance. About 20 others were injured in the attack, many of them suffering gunshot wounds.

Families in Colorado’s 6^th District have endured disproportionate tragedy due to gun violence, like Columbine in Littleton, the Aurora Theater, and STEM School in Highlands Ranch. Working with local advocates and bipartisan colleagues in Congress, Crow has acted to hold federally-licensed gun retailers and the gun lobby accountable, and supports measures to help stop deadly weapons from falling into dangerous hands.

After helping pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first comprehensive gun safety reform package in nearly 30 years, Crow co-led efforts to ensure proper implementation of the law. Firearm provisions in the law include: 

• Support for states in establishing and administering extreme risk protection orders;

• Enhanced criminal background checks; 

• Enhanced review process for buyers under 21 years old to a three-day review; 

• Clarifies definition of “federally licensed firearms dealer” and cracks down on those who evade licensing requirements; and 

• Creates federal straw purchasing and trafficking criminal offenses.