A shooting occurred on stage in Dallas over the weekend when singer Jada Arnell Thomas, 26, was shot after performing at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Thomas had been signing autographs for the audience when she was shot, leading to the arrest of 26-year-old Micah Williams, who is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Police believe Williams, who allegedly fired from the crowd, was experiencing a mental health episode at the time. Authorities have not provided details on whether the two women knew each other. Williams was taken into custody and is being held on a $200,000 bond. A weapon believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered.
Thomas was rushed to the hospital and is expected to recover, according to Curtis King, founder of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. In a Facebook post, King expressed the shock of witnessing the incident, calling it “unreal” and emphasizing the unsettling nature of violence in today’s world. King also announced plans to tighten security for future events, with new measures including enhanced screening and fewer entry points.
The shooting took place after Thomas’ third performance of the weekend, where audience members were given the opportunity to approach performers. King expressed the Academy’s commitment to providing a safe, family-friendly environment despite the tragedy.
