A shooting outside a Tucson gay bar that left three people dead—including the suspect—is being investigated as a possible hate crime after authorities found a note listing multiple LGBTQIA+ businesses on the shooter’s person, police confirmed on Monday.
Tucson Police Identify Suspect and Victims
The Tucson Police Department named Ousman Ceesay, 44, as the suspect in the fatal shooting at Venture-N, a gay bar in downtown Tucson. Ceesay confronted Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, 33, in the bar’s parking lot shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Monday, police said. All three men sustained gunshot wounds, and both victims died at the scene. Ceesay was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police Confirm Note Listing LGBTQ+ Venues
Authorities stated that Ceesay was carrying a note that included several LGBTQIA+-associated businesses at the time of the incident. The Tucson Police Department has not disclosed whether Ceesay knew the victims or the specific contents of the note. The investigation remains active, with no confirmed motive established.
Community Response and Increased Police Presence
Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto called the shooting a “tragic incident” and emphasized that bias-based crimes are “especially heinous.” The department has increased police presence around LGBTQ+ establishments in the area, though officials stated there is no known active threat to the public. Prieto added that investigators are pursuing all available leads to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Memorials and Vigils Planned
Flowers, candles, and photos have been placed outside Venture-N as a growing memorial to Siqueiros and Capara. Community groups, including Tucson Queerstory, Southern Arizona Senior Pride, and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, are organizing a candlelight vigil for Wednesday night at a local park. PFLAG Phoenix described Venture-N as a “safe haven” for Tucson’s queer community for decades, calling the shooting a “painful reminder of the homophobia and hate that still exists.”
Bar Owner and Community Members React
Colette Barajas, owner of Centra Realty and a longstanding member of the LGBTQ+ community, expressed concern following the shooting. “I’m nervous, you know, I’ve got my flag out there,” Barajas told local media. Scott Blades, an LGBTQ+ community member, described the shooting as “heartbreaking” and “senseless,” noting that Venture-N has long served as a safe gathering place.
Venture-N’s Role in the Community
Venture-N, a longtime Tucson gay bar, has been a fixture for the local LGBTQ+ community. Jose Ortega, the property owner, was out of town when the incident occurred but was notified by the acting manager shortly after 1 a.m. on Monday. The bar’s role as a sanctuary for the queer community has been repeatedly highlighted in statements from advocacy groups and community members.
Ongoing Investigation
The Tucson Police Department has not released further details about the shooting, including the manner of Ceesay’s death or whether additional suspects are being sought. Investigators are awaiting a report from the medical examiner to confirm details about Ceesay’s injuries. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.