By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Authorities have said the triple-fatal shooting in the parking lot of a gay bar in Tucson early Monday, Aug. 31, was likely a hate crime and a double murder-suicide.
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The Tucson Police Department said that the suspect, 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, was carrying a list of LGBTQ+ businesses.
The TPD said it believes Ceesay went to Venture-N Bar, located near Sixth and Speedway, and got into an argument in the parking lot with 42-year-old Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and 33-year-old Cameron Davis Capara.
The TPD said Ceesay shot both Siqueiros and Capara, and both victims died at the scene. Ceesay was also injured and was transported to a local hospital, where he died.
Ceesay does not appear to have a criminal record in Pima County and has not spent time in the state prison system in Arizona.
Anyone with any information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Venture-N bar caters to the LGBTQ community, and police believe it was targeted for that reason.
Dozens of members of the community brought candles and flowers to pay respects to the victims.
Scott Blades, a member of the LGBTQ community, said, “It’s just heartbreaking. Such a senseless, tragic shooting.”
Blades said Venture-N has held significance in the LGBTQ community for decades.
“This is a really important community gathering spot, and it’s always been a safe place for people to come,” Blades said.
A memorial was created throughout the day, with people paying their respects and grieving together.
Colete Barajas, owner and Broker of Centra Realty, has been a longstanding member of the LGBTQ community and opened Tucson’s first women’s bar in 1983.
“One more time. I’m overcome by sadness,” Barajas said.
When asked whether she felt concern for her realty company on Fourth Avenue given the list found with the gunman, Barajas said, “Yes, I’m nervous. I got my flag out there. I got my flag at home.”
But Barajas said she has displayed the flag outside her business since 1995 and wears the logo on her shirt proudly for one reason.
“I wear this so other people know they are safe around me,” she said.
Barajas said that she and other business owners are sending a clear message to the LGBTQ community following this tragedy.
“My door is wide open. My door will always be wide open. We will not allow fear and guns to keep us behind closed doors. We will continue to help those who need our help,” Barajas said.
A sentiment Blades and others who came to the memorial today echoed as they leaned on each other following this act of violence.
“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.”
STATEMENTS
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover
“Our LGBTQ+ community feels under attack upon awakening to the disturbing news of what occurred overnight outside what is normally a welcome and safe environment.
No one should fear being targeted simply because of who they are and where they gather. I speak in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community.
At this point, the shooting appears to be a tragic and isolated incident, and because all known suspects are deceased, there will likely be no prosecution to follow. Nevertheless, we have full confidence that the Tucson Police Department will thoroughly investigate what appears to be a hate-fueled attack.
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Our Victim Services Advocates are ready and available to help; they can be reached at 520-724-5525 during the day and through law enforcement at night. Our thoughts are with those dealing with this terrible loss.”
Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Jen Allen
“The murders of two patrons of the Venture N bar early this morning were senseless and shocking. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims. Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto said the shooting appears to be a hate crime. The Venture-N is a quiet neighborhood bar whose clientele are mostly gay men. Pima County is a diverse and loving community that embraces the LGBTQIA+ community and values respect, dignity, and inclusion of all people. I am certain the compassionate people of Pima County will show our love and support to the friends and family of the murdered, to the patrons of the Venture-N, and to all those who may be feeling fearful from this hateful crime. There is no place for hate in Pima County.”
Chief of Police Monica Prieto
“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. “Our investigators are thoroughly examining the evidence and pursuing all available leads as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. At this time, we have no indication that there is any further ongoing threat to the public.
We recognize this incident may cause fear and pain within our community. The Tucson Police Department has dedicated increased police presence around LGBTQIA+ establishments and is coordinating with community organizations to provide support. Tucson is, and always has been, a diverse community where people of different backgrounds, identities, and experiences call this city home. We are committed to ensuring every member of our community feels safe, valued, and welcomed.”
Rep. Adelita Grijalva
“I am disgusted and deeply saddened to learn of a targeted act of hate and the cold-blooded murder of two members of our LGBTQIA+ community, Vincent Siqueiros and Cameron Capara, at the Venture-N bar in Tucson last night. This horrific attack is a painful reminder that even in welcoming communities like Tucson, hate and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community still exist.”
“When that hate is combined with easy access to firearms, the consequences can be deadly. I am sick and tired of Congress refusing to lift a finger to protect our communities while, every day, dozens of people are shot and killed across the country. It does not have to be this way. The House of Representatives is returning to session this week, and our first action should be passing common-sense gun safety reforms that we know can save lives.”
“In Tucson, we must come together as one city, mourn alongside the victims’ families and friends, and stand with our LGBTQIA+ community in saying in the most unconditional terms: everyone is welcome in Tucson, and hate has no place here.”
Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
“The violence at Venture-N has shaken Tucson’s LGBTQIA+ community. We are heartbroken for the families and loved ones of Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara, and for everyone who witnessed or was affected by what happened.
The Tucson Police Department is investigating this as a hate crime. While that investigation continues, one thing is already clear: Violence against our community affects all of us. Places like Venture-N are more than businesses. They are places where people find friendship, chosen family, safety, and belonging.
Please know that SAAF is here. If you are struggling with fear, grief, or the psychological trauma of this event, please contact us, and we will connect you with someone who can help. You do not have to carry this alone.
Tucson Queerstory is bringing our community together to honor the Venture-N victims on Wednesday, September 2, at 6:30 p.m. at Catalina Park on Fourth Avenue. If you are able, please join us as we remember the lives lost and support one another.
Please check on one another and take care of yourselves. We are grieving together, and we will continue standing together. “
Phoenix Pride
“Our hearts are with Tucson.
Phoenix Pride extends our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara, the Venture-N family, and everyone throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona impacted by this senseless loss of life.
As our community processes this tragedy, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant, look out for one another, and continue supporting the LGBTQ+ spaces that bring our communities together.
Phoenix Pride stands with Tucson and our LGBTQ+ family throughout Southern Arizona. We will continue to look out for one another, support the spaces that bring us together, and stand together against hate and violence.
We also want to remind our community that victim services and support resources are available year-round throughout Arizona.”
- Pima County Victim Services, 520-724-5525
- Maricopa County Victim Services, 602-506-8522
- Statewide Arizona County Victim Resources
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