Updated

Updated · Citizen Times · Jul 16

SBI Identifies 26-Year-Old Arturo Castillo Palomar Killed by Asheville Police at Shakey's

Updated

Updated · Citizen Times · Jul 16

SBI Identifies 26-Year-Old Arturo Castillo Palomar Killed by Asheville Police at Shakey's

Q: Was the shooting at an LGBTQ+ bar on the day anti-trans bills passed a coincidence, or a targeted hate crime?

There is no evidence at this time that the shooting was a targeted anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime, though investigators have not ruled that out. What is established is that the shooting happened outside Shakey’s, described in follow-up reporting as an LGBTQ+ bar, in the early hours of July 15. That same day, North Carolina lawmakers overrode vetoes on three anti-transgender bills. The timing has raised understandable concern, but timing alone does not prove motive. According to the bar, staff had asked Arturo Castillo Palomar to leave because of “concerning behavior.” He later returned to the parking lot with a firearm. Witness accounts and the SBI say he was firing or actively firing toward the building when police arrived. Officers then returned fire, killing him. No patrons or staff were injured. On motive, Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp said there is “no evidence at this time” of anti-LGBTQ+ bias or a hate motive. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said the issue remains under investigation, and its findings will go to the district attorney. So the most accurate answer is that it is currently unproven either way. The coincidence in timing is real, but based on the public record so far, authorities have not found evidence that Palomar targeted the bar because it served LGBTQ+ patrons.

3 articles · Updated · Citizen Times · Jul 16

Arturo Castillo Palomar, 26, of Saluda was identified by the SBI as the man Asheville police shot and killed around 2 a.m. July 15 in Shakey's parking lot.
Asheville police said officers responded to a report of a person firing a gun and returned fire when they arrived at the bar on North French Broad Avenue.
Shakey's said staff had asked Palomar to leave earlier over concerning behavior, then saw him in the parking lot with a firearm and rushed patrons inside, locked doors and called 911.
No staff or patrons were injured, and one Asheville officer was placed on administrative leave after the shooting as the investigation continues.