Two men were murdered outside a Tucson, Arizona, gay bar in what authorities are investigating as a hate crime. The suspected gunman was also found dead.
Ousman Ceesay, 44, is believed to have opened fire at the Venture-N bar just after midnight on Monday, killing patrons Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, 33, according to the Tucson Police Department. Officers responding to the incident discovered the three men with gunshot trauma. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while Ceesay was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died.
Investigators believe Ceesay confronted the victims in the parking lot before the shooting. A note found on Ceesay with several LGBTQ+ businesses listed is a key piece of evidence in the hate crime investigation. Police have stated they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community but will increase police presence at LGBTQ+ establishments.
"Bias-based crimes are especially heinous and have no place in our community," Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto said in a statement. "Tucson is, and always has been, a diverse community where people of different backgrounds, identities and experiences call this city home."
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover indicated that prosecution is unlikely given the suspect's death, but the investigation into the "hate-fueled attack" will continue. "Our LGBTQ+ community feels under attack upon awakening to the disturbing news of what occurred overnight outside of what is normally a welcome and safe environment," Conover said. "No one should fear being targeted simply because of who they are and where they gather. I speak in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community."
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero condemned the attack as a "senseless act of gun violence" and a "painful reminder that homophobia is still rampant in our country."
Friends and family remembered Siqueiros as "the funniest, sweetest, most loving human" and a restaurant server beloved by his nieces and nephews. Capara was described as a "wonderful and caring person" who was nonjudgmental and enjoyed photography. His mother stated, "That somebody would kill him for being gay is just outrageous."
The shooting has generated concern within the LGBTQ+ community, with organizations like the New York City LGBTQ+ Center expressing solidarity with those grieving in Tucson. Mary O'Donoghue, executive director of Southern Arizona Senior Pride, noted that the incident shatters the sense of safety for the LGBTQ+ community in the city, particularly for older individuals with a history of experiencing fear and uncertainty. This event has forced organizations to reconsider event safety protocols.