A Dallas singer, Jada Arnell Thomas, 26, is recovering in the hospital after being shot onstage during an autograph session following her performance with The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) in downtown Dallas on Saturday.
Witnesses reported that the shooting occurred while Thomas was engaging with fans. She was swiftly transported to a local hospital by Dallas Fire Rescue and is currently in stable condition, according to the Dallas Police Department.
Police have arrested 26-year-old Micah Williams, the alleged shooter, who has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A handgun was recovered at the scene. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting, and it remains unclear whether Thomas and Williams were previously acquainted. The investigation is ongoing.
Curtis King, founder and president of TBAAL, reassured the community via social media that Thomas is “going to be okay.” He described the chaotic scene, stating, “It was unreal. It was like everything was in slow motion,” as gunfire erupted amidst the packed audience.
King emphasized the importance of safety, noting that staff members acted quickly to alert authorities and assist in the apprehension of the suspect. He expressed concern over the prevalence of violence in society, stating, “It is eerie to know that we now live in the kind of world with people who seem to be bent on doing harm to other people.”
In light of this incident, TBAAL plans to implement enhanced safety measures for future events, including reducing entry points to better prevent weapons from entering their venues. King reiterated the organization’s commitment to maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for patrons.
For nearly five decades, TBAAL has provided a platform for artistic expression and cultural awareness, focusing on African, African-American, and Caribbean arts. They remain dedicated to enriching the community through the arts despite the challenges posed by this incident.
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