Authorities in Tucson, Arizona, are investigating a shooting at a gay bar as a potential hate crime. The incident left three people dead, including the shooter. Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, aged 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, aged 33, were fatally shot in the parking lot of Venture-N shortly after midnight. Both victims died on the spot, according to the Tucson Police Department.

The suspect, 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, also died from a gunshot wound later at a local hospital. He was found carrying a note that included several LGBTQIA+-related businesses. Initial findings suggest Ceesay confronted the victims before shooting them.

The investigation continues, but no active threat to the community is currently known. As a precaution, police have increased their presence around other LGBTQ-friendly businesses nearby. ‘Bias-based crimes are especially heinous and have no place in our community,’ stated Police Chief Monica Prieto. ‘Our investigators are rigorously examining all evidence and leads to understand the full circumstances of this tragic event.’

Limited information about the shooting has been released. It remains unclear whether Ceesay knew the victims. Investigators are awaiting further details from the medical examiner to confirm Ceesay’s injuries.

The memorial outside the Venture-N Bar marked by flowers, candles, and photos is growing.

On Tuesday, a memorial outside Venture-N Bar was erected in honor of Siqueiros and Capara. Community groups, including Tucson Queerstory and Southern Arizona Senior Pride, planned a candlelight vigil for Wednesday night in a local park. PFLAG Phoenix commented that Venture-N had been a place of refuge and comfort for the queer community for many years, emphasizing the tragedy as a reminder of persisting homophobia and hate.

Mary O’Donoghue, Southern Arizona Senior Pride’s executive director, acknowledged the trauma the shooting has caused. ‘It brings up painful memories for older adults who experienced past discrimination and violence,’ O’Donoghue said. Many senior members have lived through events such as Stonewall. The incident has profoundly affected those who moved to Tucson seeking safety from past tragedies like the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando and the 2022 gay nightclub shooting in Colorado Springs.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero condemned the shooting as a ‘direct and devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community’ and a ‘senseless act of gun violence.’ She emphasized that it highlights the ongoing struggle with homophobia in the country.