A North Texas artist is currently recovering after a shocking incident where she was shot shortly after her performance in vibrant downtown Dallas this past Saturday night.
Witnesses report to NBC 5 that the talented singer Jada Arnell Thomas was signing autographs on stage following an electrifying performance with The Black Academy of Arts and Letters when the terrifying event unfolded—a woman from the audience fired a shot at her.
“It was a packed house, people were in line getting autographs and we heard this shot,” recalled Curtis King, the founder and director of TBAAL. “It was surreal. It was like everything was unfolding in slow motion around us.”
In the midst of the chaos, King and his dedicated staff swiftly pursued the shooter outside while simultaneously dialing 911, leading to the woman’s arrest by officers in the lobby of a nearby hotel.
The Dallas Police Department has confirmed the arrest of 26-year-old Micah Williams in the 200 block of S. Akard, a scene where a handgun was also recovered from the suspect.
Williams was subsequently booked into the Dallas County jail on a serious charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Records indicate her bond has been set at a substantial $200,000.
Though police have not disclosed the motive behind the shooting, it remains uncertain whether there was any prior relationship between Arnell Thomas and the suspect.
King provided an update on Arnell Thomas’ condition, stating that she remains hospitalized but is making progress in her recovery. He conveyed heartfelt gratitude from her family for the overwhelming prayers and support pouring in from the Dallas arts community and well beyond.
“My girl she’s strong. She’s resilient. She’s a fighter,” King emphasized. “She will sing and soar, and she’ll come back even better when she’s back on her feet.”
In light of the harrowing incident, King announced in a social media post that TBAAL is taking immediate action to bolster security and revamp their screening processes, including reducing the number of entry points to effectively prevent any future occurrences of weapons being brought into their events.
**Interview with Jada Arnell Thomas: Recovery and Resilience**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jada. First, we are relieved to hear that you are recovering after the recent incident. Can you tell us a bit about what happened that night?
**Jada Arnell Thomas:** Thank you for having me. It was such a surreal experience. After my performance, I was up on stage signing autographs when suddenly, I heard a loud bang. At first, I thought it was a firecracker or something, but then I felt the pain and realized I had been shot. It all happened so fast.
**Editor:** That sounds incredibly frightening. What was going through your mind in those moments?
**Jada Arnell Thomas:** Honestly, it was chaos. People were panicking, and I was in shock. My first thought was to get to safety, but I quickly realized I needed to focus on my injury and get help. Thankfully, paramedics were on the scene quickly.
**Editor:** The support from your fans and the community must be tremendous during this time. How have they reacted?
**Jada Arnell Thomas:** Absolutely. I’ve received an outpouring of love and support from my fans, friends, and family. It really gives me strength knowing that so many people are rooting for me. I’m grateful to be surrounded by love during this challenging time.
**Editor:** You mentioned in a previous statement that you plan to continue performing. What motivates you to return to the stage?
**Jada Arnell Thomas:** Music is my passion, and it has the power to heal. I believe in the art form and its ability to bring people together. I won’t let this incident define me or stop me from sharing my gift.
**Editor:** That’s an inspiring attitude, Jada. What message do you hope to convey through your recovery and continued performances?
**Jada Arnell Thomas:** I want to show that resilience is possible. Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, but it’s how we respond that matters. I hope to inspire others to face their fears and rise above adversity.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jada, for sharing your journey with us. We wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you back on stage soon.
**Jada Arnell Thomas:** Thank you! I appreciate the love and support. I can’t wait to perform again!
