Hate crime probe opened after two killed outside Tucson gay bar by suspect with a list of LGBTQ businesses, police say
By Sarah Moon, CNN
(CNN) — Police have launched a hate crime investigation after a deadly shooting early Monday morning in the parking lot of a gay bar near downtown Tucson.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, had a note listing several LGBTQ-associated businesses, Tucson police said.
Ceesay confronted Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, 33, in the parking lot of Venture-N, a longtime Tucson gay bar, before fatally shooting them, police said. Ceesay was also wounded and died at a local hospital.
“It’s just heartbreaking. Such a senseless, tragic shooting,” LGBTQ community member Scott Blades told CNN-affiliate KOLD. “This is a real important community gathering spot, and it’s always been a safe place for people to come.”
Colette Barajas, the owner and broker of Centra Realty, has been a longstanding member of the LGBTQ community and displays a rainbow flag outside her business and home.
“I’m nervous, you know, I’ve got my flag out there,” Barajas said in an interview with KOLD.
Community members placed candles and flowers outside the bar in memory of the shooting victims.
“We’ll keep finding ways to create that community and find ways to create safety for ourselves and for each other. That’s all we can do,” Blades added.
In response to the shooting, the Tucson Police Department increased its presence around gay establishments, Police Chief Monica Prieto said in a statement.
“I am 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,” Prieto said.
Prieto said there was no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.
CNN has reached out to Venture-N for a comment.
Organizations and community leaders expressed an outpouring of support following the shooting. The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation plans to hold an event on Wednesday to honor the victims.
“This tragedy serves as yet another painful reminder that homophobia is still rampant in our country,” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said in a video message on her Facebook page.
“No one should fear being targeted simply because of who they are and where they gather. I speak in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community,” Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said in a statement.
The police department said the investigation is ongoing.
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