A pro-Palestinian photographer and his friend were fatally shot outside a gay bar in Tucson, Arizona, in what authorities are calling a hate crime. The shooter, identified as Ousman Ceesay, then died by suicide.
According to the Tucson Police Department, Ceesay confronted and shot Cameron Davis Capara, 33, and Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, in the parking lot of Venture-N around 12:30 a.m. on Monday. Ceesay, 44, then shot himself with a 9mm handgun.
Investigators found notes on Ceesay that detailed his hatred toward the LGBTQIA+ community. A second note discovered at his home indicated he acted alone and that the shooting was a targeted attack motivated by this hate, police said.
Ceesay, originally from The Gambia, had no prior contact with the Tucson Police Department and had recently moved to the area from Oklahoma City in December, according to reports. He was carrying a list of other gay-friendly businesses in the area at the time of the incident, but police noted he had not attempted to enter the bar.
Capara was a photographer known for documenting LGBTQ+ nightlife, campus demonstrations, rallies concerning Gaza, and protests against ICE. His father described him as someone who cared deeply about marginalized people and believed in acceptance and individuality.
Siqueiros’ sister shared a poignant reflection from her brother, who had recently wondered aloud about who would be there for him if something were to happen. A large crowd gathered at a memorial to honor both Siqueiros and Capara, answering his question, she said.
Reports also indicated that Ceesay and his wife had faced significant debt, declaring Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2018. He had previously worked as an Uber driver and was a practicing Muslim who prayed regularly, according to his cousin.