A Texas-based singer, Jada Thomas, was tragically shot and injured following an exhilarating performance, prompting the arrest of a suspect linked to the incident, as authorities and eyewitnesses confirmed. Thomas was in the midst of signing autographs for her enthusiastic fans after a show hosted by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters in downtown Dallas when a member of the audience, later identified as Micah Williams, opened fire, according to accounts shared with NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth by witnesses. The local news outlet, WFAA, also reported, citing police sources, that the shooting transpired precisely as Thomas was engaging with her admirers.
Officers swiftly responded to the scene at approximately 5:50 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, discovering the 26-year-old victim of gun violence, as detailed in a Dallas Police Department statement provided to PEOPLE on Monday, November 4. The statement further revealed that Thomas was rushed to a nearby hospital and was listed in stable condition. Meanwhile, Williams, aged 26, was apprehended and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, as outlined in the official statement.
An arrest affidavit cited by WFAA narrates that Williams was detained in a hotel lobby after being spotted by a vigilant witness. This affidavit also disclosed that the witness described Williams as exhibiting "robotic and detached" behavior, and that she allegedly confessed to the shooting of Thomas.
Curtis King, the founder and director of TBAAL, recounted the harrowing moment to NBC 5: "The venue was filled to capacity; fans were lined up for autographs when we heard the shot. It was surreal, like the world had slowed down." In a heartfelt Facebook post shared on Sunday, November 3, King assured that Thomas was "on the mend" after the harrowing incident that marred an "otherwise wonderful performance." He urged everyone blessed by Jada's music and ministry to offer their prayers, highlighting her "courageous strength."
According to police, a handgun was recovered, and the investigation is still ongoing. It remains unclear whether Thomas and Williams had any prior connection. Online jail records indicate that Williams is currently being held in the Dallas County Jail on a $200,000 bond. It is uncertain if she has pleaded her case or retained legal representation to speak on her behalf.
