Turks and Caicos Nightclub Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 10 Injured in Suspected Gang Attack
Authorities suspect Haitian gang-related violence behind the mass shooting at a popular club on Providenciales island.
In a tragic and unprecedented event, three people were killed and ten others injured in a mass shooting at a nightclub in the Turks and Caicos Islands early Sunday morning. The attack, which officials believe is tied to Haitian gang-related violence, marks the first mass shooting in the history of the British Overseas Territory.
The incident occurred around 2:57 a.m. at the Island Hookah Lounge, a well-known venue on Providenciales Island, according to The Sun, a local news outlet. Police responding to the scene discovered multiple victims, with three pronounced dead at the location and ten others transported to a nearby hospital. The injured sustained a range of wounds from minor to serious.
According to Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey, CCTV footage revealed at least four gunmen armed with high-powered weapons carried out the attack. While the exact motive remains under investigation, Bailey stated that authorities suspect links to gang conflicts, particularly involving Haitian groups.
“This was indiscriminate violence meant to incite fear,” said Commissioner Bailey. He noted that law enforcement would boost patrols and maintain a heightened security presence across the islands.
Premier Charles Washington Misick expressed grave concern, saying:
“We are now having a gangland-type slaying. A lot of this gang violence seems to be concentrated in our Haitian communities.”
Acting Governor Anya Williams labeled the incident a “national security critical event”. She confirmed that the United Kingdom and the National Crime Agency had been alerted. In a precautionary move, the hospital treating the injured was placed on lockdown.
The Turks and Caicos Islands, located southeast of the Bahamas and north of Haiti, are generally known for their tranquil beaches and tourism. Sunday’s deadly attack, however, has sent shockwaves through the island community.
The government has vowed to take strong action to prevent further violence, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the attackers.
More updates will follow as the investigation continues.
Tags:
Turks and Caicos nightclub shooting, Island Hookah Lounge shooting, Providenciales shooting, Haitian gang violence, Caribbean crime news, Turks and Caicos mass shooting, gang-related violence, Fitz Bailey, Charles Washington Misick, Caribbean security
