Police in Tucson are investigating a possible hate-crime motive after a shooting outside the gay bar Venture-N left three people dead, including the suspected gunman. Authorities said a note listing several queer-associated businesses was found on the suspect.
What police say happened
The Tucson Police Department said Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, 33, were shot in the Venture-N parking lot shortly after midnight Monday and died at the scene. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the department.
Initial evidence suggests Ceesay confronted the two victims in the lot before shooting them, police said. Officers have increased patrols at other gay-friendly businesses in the area, adding that there is no known active threat to the broader community.
Why investigators are probing bias
In a news release, police said Ceesay was carrying a note that listed several queer-associated businesses. Chief of Police Monica Prieto said, “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.”
What remains unclear
Police released few additional details. They did not say whether Ceesay knew the victims and declined to immediately disclose more about his manner of death beyond noting he had a gunshot wound. Department spokesperson James Horton said investigators were awaiting medical examiner findings to confirm the suspect’s injuries.
Outside claims and community response
In posts on social media, reporter Andy Ngo claimed Ceesay is Muslim and alleged Capara was affiliated with the Antifa movement, adding that Capara “advocated anti-American views and supported mass illegal migration.” Those claims have not been confirmed by police in the material provided.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero described the shooting as a “direct and devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community, another senseless act of gun violence,” and said it “serves as another painful reminder that homophobia is still rampant in our country,” in a video posted to Facebook.
