Richard Fierro disarmed the Club Q gunman. Now, people are supporting the Army veteran and his wife's brewery by buying merch and gift cards.
A retired Army veteran and brewery owner helped take down the Club Q gunman. Now the internet is showing up to support him and his family.
On Saturday, Richard Fierro jumped into action to disarm a gunman who opened fire inside Club Q, a LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colo. Fierro was watching a drag show with his wife, daughter and friends at the club when the attack started.
Eighteen people were injured and five were killed in the Nov. 19 shooting. The victims have since been identified as Daniel Aston, Kelly Loving, Ashley Paugh, Derrick Rump and Raymond Green Vance. Vance was the longtime boyfriend of Fierro's daughter Kassy.
As Fierro's wife, Jessica, and daughter mourn and recover from their own injuries, those in awe of the army vet's bravery are going online to show his family some love.
The Fierros own Atrevida Beer Co. in Colorado City, making Jessica — who once won Viceland's homebrew competition, Beerland — both the head brewer and the first woman and Latina to own a brewery in Colorado. Atrevida, which the brewery's site explains means "bold, daring, audacious woman," is committed to inclusivity, as demonstrated by its company motto ("Diversity, it's on tap!") and donations to various charitable organizations. In 2018, the brewery released a "Big Red Soda" for charity in honor of Juneteenth. Along with craft beer, the brewery sells gift cards and merchandise like T-shirts and skull cups — all of which have been snapped up by Fierro's supporters since Saturday's tragic shooting.
"Let's show thanks to the hero who took down the Club Q gunman, Richard Fierro," read one of many tweets urging others to shop at Atrevida.
"The gay community (and all decent beings) must thank this man for his heroism," another Twitter user shared.
Let’s show thanks to the hero who took down the Club Q gunman, Richard Fierro. His wife (and LATINA) Jess Fierro is the owner and brewmaster of Atrevida Beer Co! https://t.co/iovxUHPiLS https://t.co/3A5wdSSvZH
— Puro Pinche (@PuroPincheSA) November 22, 2022
The gay community (and all decent beings) must thank this man for his heroism. He and his wife own Atrevida Beer Company in Colorado Springs (link in comments). Consider supporting their business by buying merch, gift cards, or engaging their social media. https://t.co/QMnOO8PYh4
— Pete Eriksen (@terrapinpete) November 22, 2022
Spanish chef José Andrés showed his gratitude for Fierro's courageous act, tweeting out a message of support.
Mr. Fierro is a hero. Risk his life to safe the lives of others. With his bare hands! His daughters boyfriend died in the shooting……??He and his wife own a brewery…https://t.co/8O6eOz4bzL Let’s show the respect he deserves…let’s support their beer… https://t.co/MXUEoWcC1G
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) November 22, 2022
Vice President Kamala Harris's niece, Meena Harris, also noted on Instagram that the brewery's "awesome merch" would make "the perfect holiday gift for any beer lover."
Billie Jean King took to the comments to commend Fierro and his family's business.
"Hero. Sending Richard love and support. What a truly wonderful place," she wrote.
Others shared their plans to make the trip to support the brewery in person.
"I'm going to drive down just to visit, have a brew and pick up some merch! Thank you!" wrote one user.
"Amazing: I am going to Colorado Springs next weekend and will absolutely go to this brewery!!" shared another.
Despite the outpouring of support, the Fierro family is still very much hurting. Jessica shared a Facebook post about the incident on Monday.
"No one. NO ONE should ever have to witness bloodshed like this," she wrote. "We are going through a lot of emotions as a family and as a brewery. The loss of lives and the injured are in our hearts. We are devastated and torn. We love our #lgbtq community and stand with them. This cowardly and despicable act of hate has no room in our lives or business. F*** HATE. It has left us and our community scarred but not broken. Much love to everyone."
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