A shooting outside a gay bar in Tucson, Arizona, has left three people dead, including the shooter, with police investigating the homicide as a hate crime.
Shortly after midnight on Monday evening, Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, aged 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, aged 33, were shot in the car park of Venture-N.
The police said that both men died on the scene.
The 44-year-old suspect, Ousman Ceesay, who had gunshot wounds, was pronounced dead in hospital
According to police, Ceesay was carrying a list of LGBTQ+ businesses, and initial evidence suggests he confronted the victims in the parking lot before shooting them.
The investigation is ongoing.
Police say there is no known active threat to the community but have increased their presence around LGBTQ+ businesses in the area.
‘Painful reminder of the homophobia and hate that still exists’
Siqueiros was a regular at the venue for decades. Friends have described him as a deeply considerate person who consistently sought out the good in others.
Capara was a gifted photographer, and friends shared with news outlets his fierce commitment to his craft and social justice.
“Venture-N has been a safe haven, a sanctuary, and a place of comfort for Tucson’s queer community for decades,” PFLAG Phoenix wrote on social media. “This tragedy is a heavy and painful reminder of the homophobia and hate that still exists.”
Flowers, candles mark a growing memorial to Siqueiros and Capara outside the bar.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Wednesday night at a local park in Tucson.
Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara were shot in the car park of Venture-N.Source: MapQuest
‘Direct and devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community’
Chief of Police Monica Prieto said he was “deeply saddened that another senseless loss of life has happened in our community.”
“Bias-based crimes are especially heinous and have no place in our community. Our investigators are thoroughly examining the evidence and pursuing all available leads as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
“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.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said the shooting at Venture-N was 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.”
‘Local gathering spots are meant to be safe spaces’
This senseless shooting and loss of life has not only affected LGBTQ+ communities in Arizona, but across the US.
“Our bars, clubs, and local gathering spots are meant to be safe spaces for our community. Tragedies like this are a painful reminder that too often, they are not,” NYC Pride wrote on Instagram.
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Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement that “We are heartbroken by the loss of Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara, and our hearts are with their families, loved ones, and the entire Tucson LGBTQ+ community.”
“Once again, we are reminded that gun violence robs people of their lives, destroys families, and devastates communities. Learning the gunman was targeting LGBTQ+ friendly businesses is both chilling and enraging, and yet another dangerous example of the hate and bigotry that makes all Americans less safe.”
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the mass terror shooting at Florida’s gay nightclub Pulse, where 49 people lost their lives.
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