More condemnation from both the Minister and Shadow Minister of National Security, following what is now at least the third recent shooting incident near, or in a restaurant.
And once again, this latest incident that occurred near Bermy Cuisine yesterday, took place in broad daylight, this time around 1pm.
What started out as a regular lunch hour for diners, turned into a panic-stricken nightmare as they ran for cover on Serpentine Road, when the lone gunman took aim at two men who had just picked their lunch order.
Panicked diners ran for cover after a gunman opened fire in a drive-by shooting outside a popular Hamilton restaurant this afternoon.
National Security Minister Michael Weeks said he was “appalled” by this latest shooting incident, saying he feels “sorry for those who had to experience this terrifying event”.
“This act of violence is reckless and puts innocent lives at risk, which is totally unacceptable in a civilised society such as Bermuda,” said Mr Weeks.
“I condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and am confident that the Bermuda Police Service will apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.
“We urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and assist the Bermuda Police Service in the ongoing investigation so that they can bring the culprits to justice.”
His comments were echoed by the Shadow Minister of National Security, Michael Dunkley, who said: “It’s bad enough that we have to deal with incidents of gun violence in Bermuda, but the actions of today are totally reprehensible.
“To brazenly shoot at someone in the height of the day in a very busy area is the lowest of the low.
“The area which in the shooting occurred is very busy and often frequented by many with schools and businesses in the vicinity. There could have been many innocent victims,” he added.
“We hope that any witnesses will come forward and speak to the police. Today’s perpetrator needs to be brought to justice.”
This marks the third recent shooting either near or in a restaurant following the fatal shooting at Robin Hood and another shooting incident at Divots.
Police say a lone gunman riding a motorcycle discharged a firearm in the direction of two men who were standing outside the restaurant waiting for their order.
The suspect rode off in the direction of Woodlands Road after firing off shots, on what was said to be a white step-through motorcycle.
He was wearing a black jacket, dark coloured pants, white sneakers and a black helmet.
Thankfully, there have been no reports of any injuries.
Police Detective Inspector, Jason Smith appealed for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the suspect.
“We are asking anyone with CCTV cameras along Woodlands Road and the surrounding area, to please check their devices to see whether they may have captured video or still images of anyone fitting the description of the suspect.
”The brazenness of his incident is particularly alarming as it took place at the height of the luncheon interval, with several people gathered outside the Bermy Cuisine restaurant, or making their way back to their places of work or to patronise nearby businesses he added.
“This should be cause for major concern among the community and I am asking that anyone with any information at all on this incident to please get in contact with us urgently.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Inspector Smith on 717-0864, via email, jsmith2@bps.bm, call the main police number, 295-0011 or provide the information to a police officer you know.
You may also provide the information via the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm or call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
