(New York, NY – September 1, 2026) – GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is responding to the targeted shooting at an LGBTQ bar in Tucson, and sharing additional responses from local LGBTQ groups and allied leaders.
Early Monday morning in Tucson, AZ, a gunman reportedly targeting LGBTQ-associated businesses opened fire on patrons outside local LGBTQ bar “Venture-N,” killing two people. Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara were shot and killed.The attack is being investigated as a hate crime, according to the Tucson Police Department.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis issued the following statement:
“Once again, our community is grieving after a deadly and senseless act of hate. No one should have to live in fear simply because of who they are. Our hearts are with the loved ones of Vincent and Cameron, and we are grateful for the leadership shown by Tucson’s elected officials and the LGBTQ community in demanding safety and solidarity for all.”
“At a time of unprecedented attacks and discrimination targeting the LGBTQ community, we need every voice to speak up and advocate for an end to gun violence and to protect vulnerable and marginalized people. LGBTQ people, like all Americans, simply want the chance to live and thrive in peace. Elected officials, and the voters they work for, must act immediately to prioritize and protect the core values we all believe in: Freedom, family, and safety for all.”
Since June 2022, nearly 50 people have been killed in anti-LGBTQ hate crimes in the US, according to GLAAD’s ALERT Desk. Nearly 350 people have also been injured in similar violent attacks.
In Arizona alone, there have been at least 58 targeted acts of hate against the LGBTQ community over the last four years. In September 2025, a man was arrested after threatening to shoot up a gay bar in Phoenix, allegedly in retaliation for the murder of Charlie Kirk. In October 2024, police disrupted an alleged ISIS-affiliated plot to bomb the Phoenix Pride Parade. And in the fall of 2023, two gay men were killed in Phoenix, reportedly as part of anti-LGBTQ gang activities.
Statements from Tucson / Pima County Officials and Local LGBTQ Groups Below:
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero:
“Early this morning, Tucson experienced a direct and devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community, another senseless act of gun violence. I stand in solidarity with everyone impacted by this tragedy and send my love and healing prayers to the families of the victims. Tucson Police Department investigators confirmed that the suspect possessed addresses for multiple LGBTQ+ friendly venues, intending to cause more harm. TPD is treating this entirely as a hate crime.”
“This tragedy serves as yet another painful reminder that homophobia is still rampant in our country. We must implement smarter policies to prevent mass shootings and keep our community safe. Easy access to firearms and Arizona’s weak gun safety laws continue to put all of us at risk. For our community members experiencing pain and heartbreak from this tragedy, I encourage you to reach out and call the Pima County Attorney Victim Services Program at 520-724-5525 and ask to speak to an advocate. To our LGBTQ+ community, you are not alone.”
Tucson Queerstory statement via Instagram, reading in part:
“Tucson has long been known for its welcoming environment and strong queer community. To now add another hate crime to that history is heartbreaking and infuriating. Living through it in real time makes the history we study all too real.
For decades, Venture-N has been a steadfast safe space for Tucson’s queer community. We hope our community will come together to support Venture-N through this tragedy—as they clean up, recover, and prepare to reopen their doors.
Bringing our community together tomorrow to honor the lives of Vinny Sinqueiors and Cameron Davis Capara is important. It is an opportunity to begin healing and, perhaps most importantly, to remind ourselves that we are part of a community that cares.”
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.”
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.”
Tucson 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. 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/(D) Arizona 7th; native of Tucson:
“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.”
Tucson Queerstory, Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, and Southern Arizona Senior Pride are holding a vigil to honor the victims on Wednesday, September 2, at 6:30 pm at Catalina Park on Fourth Avenue in Tucson.
Media can email press@glaad.org with additional questions and interview inquiries.
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