Tucson, Arizona police have confirmed that a shooting outside a gay bar on Monday morning, which resulted in three deaths including the shooter, was a hate crime. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, acted alone and targeted the victims because of their sexual orientation, according to a statement released Tuesday night by the Tucson Police Department.

Ceesay was reportedly new to the Tucson area and did not know the victims, Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, 33. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. outside the Venture-N bar. Police stated that Ceesay confronted Siqueiros and Capara in the parking lot before shooting them with a 9mm handgun. Ceesay then died by suicide and never attempted to enter the bar. Both Siqueiros and Capara were pronounced dead at the scene, while Ceesay was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

During a search of Ceesay's home, detectives discovered a note indicating the shooting was a targeted attack motivated by hate toward the LGBTQIA+ community. Authorities also found a list of other businesses in the region associated with the LGBTQIA+ community among Ceesay's belongings. Police have since contacted these establishments and stated there is no known active threat to the community.

Ceesay had no prior interactions with the Tucson Police Department and was legally permitted to own firearms. The department is collaborating with community organizations to offer support to those affected by the tragedy.

The Venture-N bar, described as a neighborhood establishment near the University of Arizona campus, has long served as a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community in Tucson. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community in a city generally considered welcoming. Tucson Queerstory, an organization involved in organizing a candlelight vigil for Siqueiros and Capara, expressed heartbreak and anger over the incident, emphasizing the need for unity and the right to exist.

Family members of Capara and Siqueiros have reportedly expressed gratitude for the community's support during this difficult time.