Police Identify Gunman Ousman Ceesay In Deadly Shooting Of Two Men Outside Tucson Bar

Tucson police are investigating a fatal shooting outside a longtime gay bar in the city as a possible hate crime and apparent double murder-suicide, after two men were killed in the parking lot early Monday. Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, 33, were shot in the parking lot of Venture-N shortly after midnight Monday, and both died at the scene, the Tucson Police Department said. The bar, located near Sixth and Speedway, has long been considered a cornerstone of Tucson's LGBTQ+ community, making the location of the attack especially painful for those who knew the victims and frequented the venue.

The suspect, Ousman Ceesay, 44, also suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the department. Police said Ceesay does not appear to have a criminal record in Pima County and has not spent time in the state prison system in Arizona, meaning investigators have found no prior documented history that might explain the attack. According to investigators, Ceesay went to Venture-N Bar and got into an argument in the parking lot with the two victims before opening fire, though police have not detailed what prompted the confrontation or whether Ceesay knew either victim beforehand.

Investigators say the circumstances point to a targeted, bias-motivated attack. Ceesay was carrying a note that listed several LGBTQIA+-associated businesses, according to a police news release, and initial evidence suggests he confronted the two victims in the parking lot before shooting them. Police Chief Monica Prieto addressed the case directly, saying "Bias-based crimes are especially heinous and have no place in our community." The presence of the list has led authorities to treat the case as a likely hate crime, even as the broader investigation into Ceesay's motives continues. Despite the nature of the attack, police said there is no known active threat to the community, though the department has increased its police presence around other gay-friendly businesses in the region as a precaution.

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Police have released limited details beyond their initial findings. The department declined to immediately disclose details about Ceesay's manner of death beyond confirming he had a gunshot wound, with a department spokesperson noting that investigators were awaiting information from the medical examiner to confirm the nature of his injuries. Authorities have asked anyone with information related to the shooting to contact 911 or the local Crime Stoppers line as the investigation proceeds. The shooting has prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity from Tucson's LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Flowers, candles and photographs have formed a growing memorial to Siqueiros and Capara outside the bar, and several community organizations — including Tucson Queerstory, Southern Arizona Senior Pride and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation — organized a candlelight vigil at a local park to honor the victims. Friends of the two men have also come forward to share memories. Alexis McCants, a friend and co-worker of Siqueiros, said she met him at work three years ago and the two had grown close, describing him as someone who was always laughing and enjoying life. Adam Blanchette, a friend of Capara, said Capara was "very much like a brother" to his family and had served as photographer and witness at his wedding, recalling him as compassionate and kind.

Advocacy organizations across Arizona have condemned the attack and called for continued vigilance. Phoenix Pride issued a statement extending condolences to the victims' families, the Venture-N community, and everyone in Tucson and Southern Arizona affected by the tragedy, while urging residents to look out for one another and continue supporting LGBTQ+ spaces. Elected officials also weighed in, with statements describing the shooting as a devastating blow to a community that should feel safe in spaces like Venture-N. As the investigation continues, authorities have not indicated when they expect to conclude their review of the case or release further details about Ceesay's background and possible motive.

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