Tucson gay bar shooting investigated as hate crime after police find LGBTQ+ business list
Police say a note found at the alleged gunman's property suggests the shooting was "motivated by hate toward the LGBTQ+ community"
By Callum Wells
Two men were killed outside an LGBTQ+ bar in Tucson, Arizona, in an attack police say was targeted at the LGBTQ+ community.
Tucson Police Department officers were called to Venture-N, near the intersection of North Sixth Avenue and East Speedway Boulevard, shortly after 12:30am on Monday (31 August).
They found 42-year-old Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and 33-year-old Cameron Davis Capara with gunshot wounds in the bar’s parking lot. Both men died at the scene.
What do police know about the suspected Tucson LGBTQ+ bar shooter?
Police identified the alleged gunman as 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay. He was also found with gunshot wounds and was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
According to investigators, Ceesay confronted Siqueiros and Capara outside the venue before shooting them. Police said there was no apparent connection between Ceesay and either victim.
The case was initially being investigated as a possible hate crime after officers found Ceesay carrying a note listing several businesses associated with the LGBTQ+ community.
What did police find at the suspected gunman’s home?
A search of Ceesay’s home subsequently uncovered further evidence that investigators say indicates he acted alone. Police said the material found at the property included another note supporting their assessment that the shooting was a targeted attack “motivated by hate toward the LGBTQ+ community”.
Police have not disclosed the full contents of the notes.
Investigators also said Ceesay had only recently arrived in the Tucson area and had been there for a “short period of time.” Authorities said he did not enter Venture-N during the incident.
Police said a 9mm handgun and shell casings were recovered at the scene. Ceesay had no previous contact with the Tucson Police Department, and authorities said he does not appear to have a criminal record in Pima County or a history of imprisonment in Arizona.
The department has increased its police presence around LGBTQ+ establishments in Tucson while the investigation continues. Police have also contacted businesses named on the list found in Ceesay’s possession and said its Community Engagement and Outreach Section “continues to work with supporting community organizations to provide support”.
How is Tucson responding to the LGBTQ+ bar shooting?
Authorities have said there is no known ongoing threat to the wider community.
Venture-N remained closed following the shooting. A memorial featuring flowers and candles was established outside the bar for Siqueiros and Capara.
A candlelight vigil for the two men is scheduled for Wednesday (2 September) at 6:30 p.m. at Catalina Park.
How can witnesses help police investigate the Tucson shooting?
Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting, or anyone with doorbell or security-camera footage from the area, to contact 911 or 88-CRIME. The investigation remains ongoing.