Tucson Authorities Investigate Fatal Shooting at Gay Bar as Potential Hate Crime

Tucson, Arizona, police are investigating a deadly shooting outside a gay bar as a possible hate crime, which resulted in three fatalities.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Monday in the parking lot of Venture-N. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, is accused of killing 42-year-old Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and 33-year-old Cameron Davis Capara.

According to Tucson police, Ceesay sustained gunshot wounds and died after being transported to a local hospital.

In a news release, Tucson police stated, “Initial evidence suggests that the suspect confronted the victims in the parking lot of the business.”

“After confronting Mr. Siqueiros and Mr. Capara, the suspect shot them. There is no known active threat to the community. The suspect was in possession of a note with several LGBTQIA+ associated businesses written on it.”

“The Tucson Police Department is currently investigating this homicide as a hate crime. The investigation remains active and ongoing.”

Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto said in a statement, “We recognize this incident may cause fear and pain within our community. Tucson is, and always has been, a diverse community where people of different backgrounds, identities, and experiences call this city home. We are committed to ensuring every member of our community feels safe, valued, and welcomed.”

Speaking to the Tucson Sentinel, Tucson resident Peter Loya, who frequents Venture-N, said he was acquainted with Siqueiros, whom he had known for approximately 20 years, and Capara, who was newer to the bar.

Describing Siqueiros, Loya said, “He’s always just been a thoughtful, considerate person, always looking for the best in people. You could always have fun with him.”

Drew Fellows, a friend of Capara, described him as a “revolutionary” photographer who was “always with a people-first mentality.”

“He always fought for and believed in a better future, for himself, for his community and, most importantly, for everybody,” Fellows told the Tucson Sentinel.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero called the shooting “a direct and devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community, another senseless act of gun violence.”

“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,” Romero added.

In June 2016, 49 people were killed and 58 others were injured in a mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, making it the second-deadliest mass shooting in US history.

A 2020 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances found that LGBTQ+ people in the US are 2.7 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than cisgender, heterosexual people.

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