Full Breakdown
Tucson Triple Shooting Outside Venture-N Bar Investigated as Hate Crime
9/1/2026, 9:32:15 PM
Core Event
On August 31 at about 12:30 a.m., a gunman opened fire in the parking lot of Venture-N, an LGBTQ-friendly bar at 1239 North 6th Ave in mid-town Tucson. The assault left three people dead: 42-year-old Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 33-year-old Cameron Davis Capara, and the suspect, 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay. Police say Ceesay carried a note listing several LGBTQIA+ businesses, prompting investigators to treat the incident as a possible hate crime. The Tucson Police Department confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public while the investigation continues.
Background & Context
Venture-N has long served as a neighborhood gathering spot for Tucson’s LGBTQ community, described by patrons as a safe space for friends and chosen families.
Data & Statistics
- Victims: Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara – pronounced dead at the scene.
- Suspect: Ousman Ceesay – injured in the exchange, transported to a hospital, later died from his wounds.
- Location: Parking lot of Venture-N Bar, near Sixth and Speedway Blvd.
- Evidence: Handwritten note with names of multiple LGBTQIA+ businesses found on Ceesay.
- Calls for information: Police ask anyone with tips to call 911 or the anonymous tip line 88-CRIME.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief of Police Monica Prieto expressed deep sorrow, calling bias-based crimes “especially heinous” and noting no further threat to the community.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover described the shooting as a “tragic and isolated incident,” reaffirming solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
U.S. Representative Adelita S. Grijalva condemned the hate-motivated killing and urged Congress to pass “common-sense gun safety reforms.”
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson denounced the targeting of LGBTQ-friendly businesses and pledged continued advocacy for safety and inclusion.
Community Reactions
Local patrons and business owners gathered to honor the victims, placing candles and flowers at the scene. Scott Blades, a longtime member of the LGBTQ community, called the event “just heartbreaking” and emphasized the bar’s importance as a safe gathering place. Colete Barajas, a real-estate broker and ally, pledged an open-door policy for the community and warned that the list found with the gunman heightened concerns for nearby LGBTQ-owned businesses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bias-based crimes are especially heinous and have no place in our community,” Prieto said.” — Police Chief Monica Prieto
- “It’s just heartbreaking. Such a senseless, tragic shooting.” — Scott Blades
- “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,” — Colete Barajas
- “We are heartbroken by the loss of Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara and our hearts are with their families, loved ones, and the entire Tucson LGBTQ+ community,” — Human Rights Campaign President
What's Next
A candlelight vigil organized by Tucson Queerstory is scheduled for September 2 at 6:30 p.m. in Catalina Park on Fourth Avenue, offering a space for mourning and community support. Local organizations have publicized resources for grief counseling and crisis assistance.
