A performance at a downtown Dallas cultural center ended in violence Saturday evening, November 2, when a 26-year-old singer was wounded while greeting fans. The incident led to the arrest of another young woman who allegedly had participated in the venue’s programs years earlier.
Jada Arnell Thomas was signing autographs onstage after her show at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) when she was shot in the chest shortly before 6 p.m., according to Dallas police.
Police arrested Micah Williams, also 26, at a nearby hotel following the incident. Williams faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and remains in Dallas County Jail with bond set at $200,000.
The shooting occurred during a two-week performance series featuring Thomas and two other female artists. Witnesses reported Williams was present throughout Thomas’ performance before approaching during the autograph session.
Curtis King, founder of TBAAL, pursued the suspect after the shooting. “I went out the door and said, ‘Where did the lady go?’ And they pointed in the direction where she went. I saw her through the glass doors, and so I just started running after her,” King told local media.
Authorities located Williams in the lobby of the Thompson Hotel, where they recovered a handgun from her purse. During questioning, Williams admitted to the shooting and claimed there had been previous conflict between the two women, though police have not verified this assertion.
Witnesses who spoke with investigators described Williams as “really robotic and off” during the incident.
King indicated that Williams had participated in the academy’s summer program approximately a decade ago. The venue, which promotes African, African-American, and Caribbean arts and culture, has announced enhanced security measures in response to the incident.
Thomas remains hospitalized in stable condition following the shooting. The incident occurred in front of approximately 200 attendees who had gathered for the performance. Police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.