A violent incident occurred on Saturday, November 2, at a cultural center in downtown Dallas, Texas, where a 26-year-old singer was shot while interacting with fans. A young woman who had once been involved in the center’s programs was taken into custody.
Singer Jada Arnell Thomas was attacked while signing autographs on stage at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) shortly before 6 p.m., as reported by Dallas police. She sustained a gunshot wound to her chest.
The alleged shooter, 26-year-old Micah Williams, was arrested at a local hotel after the incident. She has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is currently held at Dallas County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
The incident took place during a two-week performance series that featured Thomas and two other female artists. It was reported that Williams was in attendance throughout Thomas’ performance and approached the singer during the autograph signing.
Curtis King, the founder of TBAAL, chased the suspect after the shooting stating, “I went out the door and said, ‘Where did the lady go?’ And they pointed in the direction where she went. I saw her through the glass doors, and so I just started running after her,” as he recounted to local press.
Authorities found Williams in the lobby of the Thompson Hotel, where they retrieved a handgun from her purse. During questioning, Williams confessed to the shooting and alluded to a past dispute between her and Thomas, though this claim has yet to be substantiated by police.
Witnesses who cooperated with investigators characterized Williams’ demeanor during the incident as “really robotic and off.”
According to King, Williams had enrolled in the academy’s summer program about ten years ago. In response to the shooting, TBAAL, a venue that showcases African, African-American, and Caribbean arts and culture, has announced increased security measures.
After the shooting, Thomas was hospitalized and is presently in stable condition. The violent act unfolded in front of roughly 200 spectators who had assembled for the performance. The investigation into the motive behind the shooting is ongoing.
