Deadly Tucson gay bar shooting was targeted, 'motivated by hate,' police say

TUCSON, Ariz. - Three men were found dead in the parking lot of a gay bar in Tucson. The deadly shooting was investigated as a possible hate crime, and later confirmed that the attack was targeted toward the LGBTQ+ community.. 

What we know:

Tucson Police responded to the triple shooting at Venture-N-Bar at 6th Ave and Speedway Blvd at around 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 31. 

Vincent Siquieros, 42, and Cameron Capara, 33, were found dead after police said they got into an argument with the 44-year-old suspected shooter, Ousman Ceesay, who confronted them. The suspect later died at the hospital from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

"There was no apparent connection between the suspect and victims," police said. 

According to officials, Ceesay was found with a list of LGBTQIA+ associated businesses. He did not try entering the bar during the incident, but Tucson Police have contracted each of the businesses he listed and are working with organizations to provide support. 

Search Warrant:

At the suspect's home, "detectives located several items of indicia and additional evidence to include a note that further indicated he acted alone and that this shooting was a targeted attack motivated by hate toward the LGBTQIA+ community."

All the shell casings came from the 9mm handgun recovered from the scene.

The Suspect:

It is believed Ceesay had recently arrived in the Tucson area, only having been there for a short amount of time. 

Community Responds:

Members of the community have made a makeshift memorial outside of the bar, leaving flowers and candles while processing their shock.

"I’m overcome by sadness," Colete Barajas, the owner of Broker Center Realty and long-standing member of the LGBTQ+ community who opened Tucson's first women's bar in 1983, said. "It's just heartbreaking. Such a senseless, tragic shooting. This is a really important community gathering spot, and it's always been a safe place for people to come."

The emotion reflects the fight Barajas' has had for her community for decades.

"It wasn’t wasted time. It just tells me we have so much more work to do," she said. 

She said, as someone who has an LGBTQ+ flag at her business and home, she is concerned about the fact the gunman had a list of other gay-friendly businesses on it. As she has flown the flag outside her business ince 1995, and even wears the logo proudly on her shirt, she says she displays it, so others feel safe around her.

"My door is wide open. My door will always be wide open," Barajas said. "We will not allow fear and guns to keep us behind closed doors. We will continue to help those who need our help."

Big picture view:

A similar sentiment was shared by the community, as they come together to lift each other up in the face of tragedy. 

We’ll keep finding ways to create that community and find ways to create safety for ourselves and for each other," LGBTQ+ community member Scott Blades said. That’s all we can do." 

What you can do:

Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME to remain anonymous. 

Chief of Police Monica Prieto 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. 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."

Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva shares statement

"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."

Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair statement

"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."

Tucson's mayor said the "tragedy serves as yet another painful reminder that homophobia is still rampant in our country."

What's next:

A public vigil for the victims is planned for Sept. 2 at Tucson's Catalina Park. 

Tucson Police have increased their presence around other gay-friendly businesses, as the investigation remains ongoing.

Map of the area of the bar.

Crime and Public SafetyLGBTQTucsonNews