In a shocking incident on Saturday night, Jada Arnell Thomas, a 26-year-old singer from Dallas, was hospitalized after being shot onstage following her performance with The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) in downtown Dallas.
According to witnesses speaking with NBC DFW, the shooting occurred while Thomas was signing autographs for fans.
Immediately following the incident, Dallas Fire Rescue transported Thomas to a local hospital, where she is currently reported to be in stable condition, as confirmed by the Dallas Police Department.
Authorities have arrested 26-year-old Micah Williams, who is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Police recovered a handgun at the scene and transported Williams to the Dallas County Jail.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators are still determining whether Thomas and Williams were acquainted prior to the incident.
Curtis King, the founder and president of TBAAL, shared an update on social media, assuring the community that Thomas is “going to be okay.”
He recounted the events leading up to the shooting, noting that Thomas had just expressed gratitude for the support she receives and the safe space provided by TBAAL.
“It was a packed house, people were in line getting autographs, and we heard this shot,” he told NBC DFW, describing the surreal moment as if everything was unfolding in slow motion.
In a swift response, staff members followed the suspected shooter out of the venue and alerted authorities.
Williams was later located in the lobby of a nearby hotel.
King expressed his concern on social media about the increasing prevalence of violence, saying, “It is eerie to know that we now live in a world with people who seem to be bent on doing harm to others, often for no apparent reason.”
He praised Thomas for her strength and resilience, describing her as a “devout child of God” and called for prayers from the community.
In light of this incident, King announced that TBAAL would be implementing enhanced safety measures for future events.
This includes reducing the number of entry points to better screen for weapons, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a safe, family-oriented environment.
“For 48 years, TBAAL has proudly upheld a tradition of safe, family-oriented events and a welcoming atmosphere,” King emphasized. “Our mission to enrich the community through the arts remains unwavering.”
TBAAL is a multidisciplinary arts institution dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of the artistic, cultural, and aesthetic differences rooted in African, African American, and Caribbean arts and letters.
As the community rallies around Jada Arnell Thomas, the hope is for her swift recovery and for a return to a world where artists can perform safely.
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Source: NBC News
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