Ministry is working closely with police as they carry out their investigation, and in the long-term fight to end gun violence
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks issued the following statement in the wake of a shooting at Legends bar in Somerset that claimed two lives and injured three others.
“Last night in the tranquil village of Somerset, a most violent assault on the peace and security of our Country was committed, which resulted in the loss of two (2) of our young people, and serious injuries to three (3) others.
“This heinous firearm attack strikes at the very heart of our values as a peaceful and close-knit island community. It is a direct assault on everything for which we stand, and we will not tolerate it in Bermuda.
“Let me be clear: I condemn this vicious and senseless violence in the strongest possible terms. It is unacceptable. It is devastating, and it is a painful reminder of the long and difficult road we have travelled in the fight against gang and gun violence in Bermuda.
“To the families and loved ones of the victims, I extend my deepest condolences. No family should have to receive the news that their loved one has been murdered. I personally share your grief.
“The Bermuda Police Service is investigating, and we, of course, fully support their efforts. My Ministry is working closely with the BPS as they carry out this investigation, and we remain committed to helping them not only in this immediate response but in the long-term fight to end gun violence across the Island.
“We call on anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Speak to the police. Use the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline. Check your cameras. Talk to someone you trust. Silence cannot be an option in the presence of this kind of violence.
“As Minister, I also want to reiterate what I have said many times before: the safety and security of every Bermudian is this Government’s highest priority. But no government, no police force, and no single agency can do this alone.
“We need the collective strength of our entire community. We need our mothers, fathers, teachers, pastors, and neighbours to step forward, not only to break the silence but to be a part of the solution to this problem.
“I am also calling for calm in our community. In moments like this, when emotions are understandably high, we must stand united in seeking solutions, not divided in pointing blame. We must collectively reject violence in all forms and resist the urge to retaliate.
“In the coming days, the Ministry of National Security will continue to support the police, assist the victims’ families, and coordinate with our partners in the community to ensure that this cycle of violence is not allowed to continue.”
Premier David Burt and MPs from Sandys Parish also urged with information about last night’s double murder in Somerset to come forward.
Before delivering his Budget statement this morning, the Premier said he felt compelled to address the shooting, which took place at Legends Bar in Sandys Parish. He described the incident as “tragic” and “senseless.”
“The gunshots that rang out shattered not only the quiet of the evening but took the lives of two people,” said Premier Burt. “Two families this morning are confronted with unimaginable loss.”
He continued: “At a time of such tragedy our community responsibility is to support them and surround them with love and comfort. As I have indicated to the Minister of National Security, the Bermuda Police Service has the Government’s full support, and I likewise urge those who have knowledge of this incident to provide that information to the Police as part of the ongoing investigation.
“It is understandable that emotions may be raw at this time, but there is no place for retaliation.
“The Police have a job to do, and I am confident that with the support of the community they will work to apprehend those responsible. This is a time for unity, a time to speak peace over a troubled situation and a time to lift up two families whose lives are forever changed.”
Meanwhile, area MP and Speaker of the House, Dennis Lister, also addressed the Somerset tragedy via media release.
He stated, “Last night, darkness descended upon our community as gunfire claimed two lives and wounded two others. This act of senseless violence has left our community reeling, our hearts heavy with grief.
We, the Sandys MPs, stand united in sorrow and in resolve. We mourn with the families of the victims, extend our prayers to the injured, and offer our unwavering support to all affected by this tragedy.
We call upon our community to come together, to support one another, and to work collectively towards peace and safety in our neighborhoods.
We urge anyone with information to assist the Bermuda Police Service in their investigation. Silence can be a form of complicity; let us choose to be part of the solution.”
Governor Andrew Murdoch also echoed the above statements, and offered his condolences to the loved ones of the victims.
He stated, “I would like to express my full support for the statements made by the Premier, The Speaker and the Police Commissioner following last night’s tragic incident in Somerset. My heart goes out to the families of those affected.
I know that the Bermuda Police Service are doing everything they can to bring those responsible for this horrific incident to justice. They will need the support of the whole community in making that happen. I urge all those who can assist the police with their enquiries to get in touch with them. Now is not the time for silence. It is a time to stand up for peace in our community.
I would also like to express my thanks and admiration for the professionalism of the police and first responders who attended so rapidly last night. They too will be impacted by the violence that they witnessed.”
