By Daisy Handfield, Sun, Jul 27, 2025
Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey, and Premier Charles Washington Misick said they believe Haitian gang-related violence is behind the Turks and Caicos Islands’ first known mass shooting; a brutal attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the Island Hookah Lounge on Leeward Highway, Providenciales, leaving three dead ten injured, and plunging the country into a state of shock.
The brazen shooting unfolded at approximately 2:57 a.m. when police officers responded to reports of gunfire at the popular nightlife spot. Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and, with emergency medical services, attended to multiple victims. Tragically, three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while ten others suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious and were rushed to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending formal notification of next of kin.
The details were revealed during an emergency press conference held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, where top government and law enforcement officials addressed the nation following the incident.
Commissioner Bailey, who described the event as “deeply disturbing “, revealed that preliminary investigations and CCTV footage suggest at least four shooters armed with high-powered weapons were involved. While the motive remains under investigation, authorities suspect inter-gang or intra-gang conflicts, with a particular focus on Haitian gang activity. “
“This was indiscriminate violence meant to incite fear,” Bailey stated, underscoring the abnormal nature of the incident and assuring the public that the police and partner agencies will maintain a visible presence to keep residents safe.
Premier Misick echoed these sentiments, appealing directly to the Haitian community in Turks and Caicos. “
“We are now having a gangland-type slaying, and a lot of this gang violence seems to be concentrated in our Haitian communities,” Premier Misick said during the press briefing.
The Premier appealed directly to Haitian residents and community leaders, urging them to take responsibility for helping to restore public safety.
“I’m going to appeal to our Haitian nationals, our Haitian brothers and sisters, the leadership in the Haitian community, to make a concerted effort,” he said. “The government stands behind those persons who are law-abiding, legally resident in this country, who wish the best for their families and the other citizens of these islands. And we want a dialogue with you.”
While clarifying that his remarks were not aimed at the broader Haitian population, Misick made clear that he believes individuals within the community are not only involved in the violence but also have critical knowledge of how illegal firearms are entering the country.
“You know who these violent criminals are. You know how guns are getting into the country,” he stated. “And while I’m speaking predominantly to the Haitian community, because that is where most of the violence seems to be coming from, I want to speak to everybody else, because I believe these criminals are being aided and abetted by persons who know who they are and who are doing it for gain.”
The Premier said the government is resolute in targeting not only the perpetrators, but also anyone facilitating or protecting them, warning that new resources will be directed to law enforcement to ensure offenders are captured and prosecuted.
“We do have legislation on the books, and we will be resourcing the police to the highest level to ensure that you’re captured and dealt with,” he said. “Whether you facilitate or aid and abet criminal activity, or whether you commit it, we will be providing the resources, including places to keep you.”
He ended the address with a clear warning to anyone involved in or turning a blind eye to criminal activity.
“Let this be a warning to everyone: those who know something and are not speaking, those who are aiding and abetting criminals, and those who are committing crime,” Misick said. “Let it be known that this government is committed to ensuring that the Turks and Caicos Islands is a safe place for people to live and to raise their families.”
Acting Governor Anya Williams confirmed that the incident has been declared a national security critical event, with all protocols activated.
“I have also been in contact with the Governor (Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam) who is currently away from the country and have informed the United Kingdom of the current arrangements, issues here in Turks and Caicos Islands, having also reached out to the National Crime Agency for support. We are taking these matters very seriously. The hospital is currently on lockdown to ensure patient safety.”
As of Sunday, July 27, 2025, the country’s murder count stood at 22. Commissioner Bailey noted that up until last week, the territory had been experiencing a 30 percent reduction in murders, but the recent double homicide of two brothers and this mass shooting have significantly undermined those gains.
“This deeply disturbing event has shaken families and the wider communities,” Bailey said. “We extend our sincere condolences to all those impacted and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to ensure justice is served. While we continue to uphold and respect the principles of human rights, we are equally resolute in recognising and defending the rights of victims. Those who have suffered through loss, injury, or trauma deserve justice, compassion, and the full protection of the law.”
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information resulting in the arrest of those responsible for the shooting. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force urges anyone with information to come forward through official channels or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
The tragic mass shooting has deeply shaken families and communities across the islands. Both the Commissioner and Premier reaffirmed their commitment to justice, urging unity and cooperation to overcome the violence threatening the peace and security of Turks and Caicos.
Source: The Sun TCI