In a shocking incident, Jada Arnell Thomas, a 26-year-old singer from Dallas, was shot and hospitalized while signing autographs after a performance with The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) in downtown Dallas.
According to the Dallas Police Department, the shooting occurred on Saturday shortly before 6 PM, as Thomas was onstage greeting fans and signing autographs following her show. Witnesses reported that Micah Williams, a 26-year-old woman in the crowd, opened fire on Thomas, striking her in the chest.
“It was a packed house; people were in line getting autographs, and we heard this shot,” recounted Curtis King, the founder and president of TBAAL. “It was unreal. Everything seemed to be moving at a slow pace.
The Dallas Fire Rescue team immediately transported Thomas to a local hospital, where he is currently in stable condition, according to police. Authorities arrested Williams on the scene in the lobby of a nearby hotel, recovering a handgun from her possession.
The Dallas County Jail booked Williams on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The police have not yet revealed a motive for the shooting, and it is unclear whether the two women knew each other prior to the incident. The beloved arts institution witnessed a shocking incident.
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters is a highly respected multidisciplinary arts organization that has been serving the Dallas community for over 48 years. Its founder, Curtis King, expressed his disbelief and outrage at the violence that unfolded at one of their events.
“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, many times for no apparent and sensible reason,” King said in a social media post.
Despite the trauma, King affirmed that Jada Arnell Thomas is “courageously strong, resilient, and a devout child of God,” and he asked the community to keep her in their prayers.
In the aftermath of the shooting, TBAAL has announced that it will be implementing enhanced safety measures for all future events, including decreasing the number of entry points to focus on preventing weapons from entering their spaces.
“For 48 years, TBAAL has proudly maintained a tradition of safe, family-oriented events and a welcoming environment,” King said. “We affirm that our patrons are upstanding citizens who share our commitment to a safe, positive environment for all. As we continue forward, our mission to enrich the community through the arts remains unwavering.” A promising young artist was targeted.
Jada Arnell Thomas is a rising star in the Dallas music scene, known for her powerful vocals and captivating performances. According to witnesses, just moments before the shooting, she thanked King for “always supporting us and giving us a safe place to work.”
Tragically, the sudden and senseless act of violence shattered that sense of safety and community. As Thomas recovers from her injuries, the arts community in Dallas and beyond has rallied behind her, offering messages of support and prayers for her speedy recovery.
King, who chased after the suspected shooter, expressed his determination to ensure that TBAAL remains a haven for artists and art lovers alike. “I am not going to allow people to walk in fear and come to a place that I enjoy,” he said.
The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover the motive behind Williams’ actions. In the meantime, the Dallas arts community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this shocking incident while also reaffirming their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.