Two people killed outside Tucson gay bar in suspected hate crime
A shooting in Tucson, Arizone is being treated as a suspected hate crime (Getty Images, stock)
Two people have been killed in a shooting outside an LGBTQ+-friendly bar in Tucson, Arizona, in an attack police are investigating as a hate crime.
Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, 33, were fatally shot outside Venture-N, a small LGBTQ+ bar near the University of Arizona campus, at around 12:30 AM Monday (31 August).
The suspected shooter, 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, also died on the way to the hospital after sustaining life-threatening injuries, per information released by the Tucson Police Department.
According to the Tucson Police Department, Ceesay had a note containing the names of several LGBTQ+-associated businesses when he approached the victims. Police are investigating the circumstances as a possible hate crime, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said in a Monday evening statement that the shooting appeared to be a “tragic and isolated incident.” She also assured that there is currently no imminent threat to the wider community. Chief of Police Monica Prieto revealed police are providing additional protection to LGBTQ+ businesses around Tucson, as reported by The Daily Wildcat.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero called the shooting a “devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community” in a video posted to her social media. “This tragedy serves as yet another painful reminder that homophobia is still rampant in our country. We must implement smarter policies to prevent mass shootings and keep our communities safe. Easy access to firearms and Arizona’s weak gun safety laws continue to put all of us at risk,” she continued.
Local officials and community organisations have described Venture-N as a beloved neighbourhood gathering place where people found connection, safety and belonging. Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz, a queer member of the Tucson City Council, said in a statement posted online that they were “heartbroken” over the killings and expressed their support for Venture-N’s staff, customers and wider community.
Councilmember Miranda Schubert, who is also queer, said the shooting was a painful reminder of the current political climate and called on the community to “stand together” rather than “shrink in fear” in a statement given to the Arizona Daily Star.
A candlelight vigil for Siqueiros and Capara, planned by Tucson Queerstory, will be held Wednesday, 2 September, at 6:30PM at Catalina Park.
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