Police are investigating a shooting incident of a different kind, that left four people injured when “unknown individuals” entered Robin Hood Pub and opened fire on “a group of men who were in the establishment”.
The shooting, which occurred around 6pm on Tuesday (Oct 26), has been declared “a critical incident”, that saw terrified customers running for cover when at least six shots were fired in the bar and restaurant on Richmond Road.
Three of the four injured parties were rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, while the fourth victim was taken to hospital in a private vehicle.
Acting Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons condemned this senseless act of violence.
“This heinous act carried out by individuals who it would seem have no regard for life or even the safety and wellbeing of others for that matter, has left our community shaken,” he said.
“This is not who we are as Bermudians.
“The public can expect to see increased policing around reassurance patrols in direct response to this incident.
“This is being addressed at the highest level in terms of our response and commitment of resources around that.”
He also noted that “there were rumours circulating that a police officer was killed in this attack”.
“I can categorically state, there is no truth to these claims.”
Shortly after the shooting he said: “I cannot say enough just how heinous and despicable this kind of a situation is where you have people opening fire in a public premises – it’s just not at all what we would like to be seeing.
“It’s not who we are as Bermudians and I certainly expect better from the public and we absolutely can do better.”
A police spokesman added: “This matter is being treated as a critical incident with Assistant Commissioner Daniels as the Gold Commander and a team of detectives is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Peter Stableford of the Serious Crime Division.
“There were several individuals inside the pub and restaurant at the time of the incident and the investigators are interested in speaking with anyone with information no matter how insignificant they may think it to be.”
Minister of National Security, Renée Ming appealed for witnesses to come forward.
“This is not who we are, Bermuda, and this is not who we want to become,” she said.
“If there is any assistance you can give, anything you can give police, please feel free.”
Meanwhile, police are appealing for anyone with any information at all on this incident, to please call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.
