A Suspect Is In Custody Over The Killing Of O’Shae Sibley For Dancing In Carpark
A suspect has been arrested by the New York Police Department in connection with the stabbing of 28-year-old O’Shae Sibley, reports The Guardian. On July 29, O’Shae Sibley was with friends at a gas station carpark in Brooklyn where they were vogueing. A group of teenagers approached the dancers starting an altercation which ultimately ended in Sibley’s death.
Sibley’s death marks the latest in a series of attacks against LGBTQIA+ people
Sibley was a professional dancer, an artist and an educator. Tributes remember him for being a beacon of light and a role model within the queer community. After enjoying a weekend at the beach with his friends, Sibley stopped at a Brooklyn gas station and began dancing with his friends to Beyoncé’s music. The following confrontation with a group of men was captured on security cameras, reports The Guardian.
Sibley was, allegedly, stabbed, and died after being taken to a local hospital. Authorities are investigating the killing as a potential hate crime and city councilwoman Inna Vernikov confirmed that the suspect turned himself in to the 16th Precinct and is now in custody. Vernikov released a statement saying she wished Sibley’s family “peace during this difficult time” and hoped for “swift justice and serious consequences for the perpetrator”.
Outrage has emerged online as the global LGBTQIA+ community rallies in solidarity with O’Shae Sibley. Friends described him as a talented artist who used dance to advocate for social change. He had participated in marches and volunteered at dance studios and youth centres.
LGBTQIA+ rights group GLAAD highlighted the concerning rise in violence against LGBTQ+ individuals across the US, including Sibley’s tragic death. GLAAD mentioned that Sibley was around fifth LGBTQIA+ person to be killed in recent weeks with more than 350 cases of attacks and harassment against gay and transgender people in the US between June 2022 and April 2023.
We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of O’Shae Sibley.
