Two Killed Outside Tucson Gay Bar; Hate Probe

Police Chief Monica Prieto said the department has increased its presence around gay establishments in the region. "I am deeply saddened that another senseless loss of life has happened in our community. Bias-based crimes are especially heinous and have no place in our community," Prieto said, adding that investigators are "pursuing all available leads."

Police said there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero called the shooting a "direct and devastating attack on our LGBTQ+ community, another senseless act of gun violence," and said in a video posted to Facebook that it "serves as another painful reminder that homophobia is still rampant in our country."

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said in a statement: "No one should fear being targeted simply because of who they are and where they gather."

Scott Blades, a member of the local LGBTQ community, told CNN affiliate KOLD the bar has "always been a safe place for people to come," calling the killings "senseless" and "heartbreaking." Colette Barajas, a Tucson business owner who flies a rainbow flag outside her office and home, told the station she is "nervous."

PFLAG Phoenix wrote in a social media post that Venture-N "has been a safe haven, a sanctuary, and a place of comfort for Tucson's queer community for decades."