Authorities in Tucson, Arizona, are investigating a shooting outside a gay bar that left three people dead as a possible hate crime.

The shooting occurred shortly after midnight on Monday in the parking lot of Venture-N, according to Tucson police. The suspect, identified by police as 44-year old Ousman Ceesay, allegedly killed 42-year-old Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and 33-year-old Cameron Davis Capara.

Tucson police said Ceesay, who had suffered gunshot wounds, later died after being transported to a local hospital.

In a news release, Tucson police said: “Initial evidence suggests that the suspect confronted the victims in the parking lot of the business.

“After confronting Mr Siqueiros and Mr Capara, the suspect shot them. There is no known active threat to the community. The suspect was in possession of a note with several LGBTQIA+ associated businesses written on it.

“The Tucson police department is currently investigating this homicide as a hate crime. The investigation remains active and ongoing.”

Tucson police chief Monica Prieto said in a statement: “We recognize this incident may cause fear and pain within our community. 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.”

Speaking to the Tucson Sentinel, Tucson resident Peter Loya, who frequents Venture-N, said he was acquainted with Siqueiros, whom he had known for approximately 20 years, and Capara, who was newer to the bar.

Describing Siqueiros, Loya said: “He’s always just been a thoughtful, considerate person, always looking for the best in people. You could always have fun with him.”

Drew Fellows, a friend of Capara, described him as a “revolutionary” photographer who was “always with a people-first mentality”.

“He always fought for and believed in a better future, for himself, for his community and, most importantly, for everybody,” Fellows told the Tucson Sentinel.

Tucson mayor Regina Romero called the shooting “a direct and devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community, another senseless act of gun violence”.

“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 communities safe. Easy access to firearms and Arizona’s weak gun safety laws continue to put all of us at risk,” Romero added.

In June 2016, 49 people were killed and 58 others were injured in a mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, making it the second-deadliest mass shooting in US history.

A 2020 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances found that LGBTQ+ people in the US are 2.7 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than cisgender, heterosexual people.