By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Businesses in Phoenix’s Melrose District placed hundreds of luminaries along 7th Avenue Wednesday night to honor two men killed in a shooting outside a Tucson gay bar.
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Dozens of volunteers gathered at Boycott Bar to make 600 luminaries and place them along the street.
Authorities say the suspect, 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, traveled to Arizona and confronted two people outside Venture-N. He shot and killed 42-year-old Vincent Siqueiros and 34-year-old Cameron Capara before turning the gun on himself.
Tucson police say Ceesay had no apparent connection to the victims and was carrying a list of other LGBTQ businesses. Authorities are investigating the shooting as a hate crime.
The crowd in Phoenix held a moment of silence for the two victims before sharing a few words. They said the shooting in Tucson is a painful reminder that acts of violence like this can happen anywhere.
Boycott Bar owner Audrey Corley said they chose to pay their respects with the luminaries to show that when the LGBTQ community is targeted, they remain visible and united.
“In this time right now in the world with all that’s going on, we can’t even afford gas and things like that and food right now, I don’t think people should be hurting people for who they love. I think we have so many bigger problems. And right now I think it’s crucial that we get out and vote,” Corley said.
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Corley said places like her bar and Venture-N are supposed to be safe, a place where people can come out, find support and find family.
A handful of businesses along 7th Avenue participated in the event, including Thunderbird Lounge, Smith’s and Title 9.
According to The New York Times, records show the suspect had an address in Oklahoma City and no serious criminal history other than a speeding ticket.
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