Jada Aarnell Thomas: Texas singer Jada Arnell Thomas was shot on stage after her performance at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in downtown Dallas on Saturday evening. Thomas, 26, had just finished her show and was signing autographs when gunfire erupted from the crowd.
According to Dallas police, the shooter was identified as Micah Williams, a 26-year-old woman, who fired from the audience. Williams was quickly apprehended by police at the scene and is now facing an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. The police have not yet confirmed if Williams and Thomas knew each other or provided a clear motive, though it was reported that Williams may have been experiencing a mental health episode. Williams is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail on $200,000 bail.
Thomas was taken to a nearby hospital, where she is in stable condition. Curtis King, founder of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, expressed relief that Thomas is expected to recover and asked for prayers for her and her family. “It is eerie to know that we live in a world where people seem to be bent on doing harm to others, many times for no apparent and sensible reason,” King shared on social media.
King described the shocking moment, saying, “It was like everything was in slow motion. The room was packed, and people were in line waiting for autographs.” King and others witnessed the shooting firsthand, then followed Williams outside and called 911 for help. He also assured that the academy would take additional steps to enhance security and screening measures for future events.
Thomas’s shooting comes after a weekend of successful performances, during which fans were invited to meet her and other artists. For nearly five decades, the Black Academy of Arts and Letters has provided safe, family-oriented events, and King emphasized that they will continue their mission of enriching the Dallas community through the arts.
The investigation is ongoing, and Thomas’s supporters continue to rally around her during her recovery.
