Singer Jada Arnell Thomas was shot onstage while signing autographs after a performance in downtown Dallas, Texas on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Police say Thomas, 26, was signing autographs for fans when a woman waiting in line shot her in the chest. The incident happened at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters venue.
Thomas was rushed to a hospital, where she is listed in stable condition, according to NBC News affiliate NBC DFW.
Officers arrested Micah Williams, also 26, and a handgun was recovered from her purse. Williams was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was booked into the Dallas County Jail.
Police did not reveal a motive behind the shooting or whether the two women know each other. The investigation is ongoing.
Curtis King, founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, confirmed Thomas will survive her injury.
He said she previously thanked him for providing an outlet for aspiring artists to showcase their talents.
“It was a packed house, people were in line getting autographs and we heard this shot,” King told NBC DFW. “It was unreal. It was like everything was in slow motion.”
According to King, the venue staff followed Williams outside and called 911. Officers caught up to the suspect in the lobby of a nearby hotel and placed her under arrest.
“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,” he said on social media.
King said the venue will beef up security and install a metal detector at the front door for future events.
“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 arts remains unwavering.”
Again my daughter and Jada Thomas went to high school together we have known Jada since 10th grade they graduated from Booker T arts in dallas .she have that birth mark since we known her ..Jada told us that what the mark was. My daughter and Jada both sing .. look it up .. pic.twitter.com/1IsRiPmFJ4
— TerriB (@WFotography) November 5, 2024
Dallas Singer Jada Thomas 26 shot in her chest while singing autographs pic.twitter.com/f7MhPDYIXE
— BigmanshaneNews (@BIGMANSHANE1) November 4, 2024
