Tucson police investigate deadly shooting outside gay bar as possible hate crime

A note listing several LGBTQIA+-associated businesses was found on the man suspected of killing two people outside a gay bar in Tucson, prompting police to investigate the shooting as a possible hate crime.

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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.

The attack happened shortly after midnight on Monday in the parking lot of Venture-N, Tucson police said. The suspect, 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, allegedly shot Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, 33. Ceesay had suffered gunshot wounds and later died after being taken to a local hospital. Police said there was no known active threat to the community.

Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto said the incident could cause fear and pain, and pledged to ensure that people of different backgrounds, identities and experiences felt safe, valued and welcome. Friends remembered the victims in similarly personal terms. Peter Loya, who frequents Venture-N and had known Siqueiros for about 20 years, called him thoughtful, considerate and someone who always looked for the best in people. Drew Fellows described Capara as a “revolutionary” photographer with a people-first outlook who believed in a better future for his community and others.

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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.

Mayor Regina Romero called the shooting “a direct and devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community, another senseless act of gun violence”. She said homophobia remained widespread in the United States and argued that easier access to firearms and Arizona's weak gun-safety laws put communities at risk.

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

The case recalls the 2016 attack at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed and 58 injured. A 2020 study in Science Advances found that LGBTQ+ people in the United States were 2.7 times more likely to become victims of violent crime than cisgender heterosexual people.

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A direct and devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community, another senseless act of gun violence