Multiple People Shot in Broad Daylight Firearms Incident in Pembroke

In a shocking incident yesterday afternoon, multiple people were shot in a firearms incident that occurred in broad daylight on Middle Town Lane in Pembroke, Bermuda. The shooting, which took place around 2:05 pm, left at least four people wounded, with one man in critical condition in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the growing concern of gun violence in Bermuda, which has seen nine confirmed firearms incidents in just three months. The brazen nature of this shooting, occurring in broad daylight, raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the need forcommunity engagement to address the root causes of this violence.

According to Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns, "Just after 2 pm, police responded to reports of gunshots heard in the Middle Town Lane area. What we know so far is that several people have been shot. We do know that there was a group of persons who were socialising in the area when someone opened fire." The police are currently conducting house-to-house inquiries and collecting evidence at the scene.

Two of the victims, aged 22 and 21, have been treated and released from the hospital, while two others have undergone surgery and remain hospitalized. The incident marks the ninth confirmed firearms incident in Bermuda in 2024, and the most severe in recent months.

Minister of National Security Michael Weeks expressed his alarm and concern over the brazen nature of the shooting, stating,"The fact that a shooting occurred in broad daylight, causing harm to several individuals, is alarming and unsettling for us all... I am urging you to please come forward and assist the authorities in their investigation."

Opposition spokesman on national security Ben Smith also condemned the incident, saying, "The fact that there are multiple victims compounds the severity of this incident. Perpetrators are becoming more and more reckless with no fear of shooting in broad daylight, and actions like these need to end... Nine gun incidents in three months is reprehensible."

The shooting on Middle Town Lane follows another firearms incident that occurred on Parsons Road near the junction with Rambling Lane on Sunday evening, although no injuries were reported in that case. Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons confirmed that officers are aware of "ongoing gang tensions" and said three earlier gun incidents were "most likely" linked.

As the investigation continues, the police are appealing for information about a bike with two riders seen in the area of Parsons Road around 2 pm yesterday. Witnesses are urged to call 211, the main police number 295-0011, or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477. The public is also asked to support the Bermuda Police Service's efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and address the escalating gun violence on the island.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple people shot in broad daylight on Middle Town Lane, Pembroke, Bermuda.
• At least 4 people wounded, 1 in critical condition in hospital's ICU.
• This is the 9th confirmed firearms incident in Bermuda in 2024.
• Police investigating, appealing for info on a bike with 2 riders seen in area.
• Government officials condemn incident, urge community engagement to address root causes.