Five people were killed and 18 wounded when a gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub Saturday in Colorado Springs, Colorado, police said in a press conference.

Authorities received a report of a shooting at Club Q at approximately 11: 57 p.m. Patrons eventually subdued the attacker, said Lt. Pamela Castro of the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Club Q Mass Shooting
General view of Club Q as police respond to a mass shooting there on November 20, 2022. Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

Chief Adrian Vasquez identified the suspect in custody as Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22. The alleged shooter had immediately walked into Club Q and began firing a long rifle.

Vazquez said two firearms were found at the scene. The gunman was taken into custody around five minutes later when he was confronted by two patrons.

"We owe them a great debt of thanks," the chief said.

The press conference was held live on Facebook at 8 a.m. local time.

Doctors said that two victims wounded remained in critical condition as of Sunday morning. Other victims had less severe injuries, and at least two more had already been discharged.

Gov. Jared Polis, the nation's first openly gay governor, said in a statement that the shooting is "horrific, sickening, and devastating."

Polis said, "Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn together."

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

A motive for the attack has not been confirmed.

"We will be here for many, many hours to come," said Castro.

She added the suspect was injured and the FBI was called to assist in the investigation, told CNN.

This mass shooting is the sixth in the U.S. this month.