Representatives of West End constituents were today “united in sorrow” after a shooting incident claimed the lives of two people.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Dennis Lister, the Progressive Labour Party MP for Sandys North Central, encouraged anyone with information on the tragedy to help police.

David Burt, the Premier, added that this was a time to speak peace and to uplift two families whose lives had changed for ever.

The comments came after a shooting last night at Legends bar on Somerset Road left two people dead and three others injured.

Police responded to reports of gunshots at the venue at about 10.30pm.

Mr Lister said: “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.”

He added: “We call upon our community to come together, to support one another and to work collectively towards peace and safety in our neighbourhoods.

“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.”

Mr Burt said that he was “compelled to address the tragic and senseless events” that unfolded.

He added: “The gunshots that rang out shattered not only the quiet of the evening but took the lives of two people.

“Two families this morning are confronted with unimaginable loss.

“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 have 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 for ever changed.”

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, described the incident as “a most violent assault on the peace and security of our country”.

He added: “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.”

Mr Weeks said that the national security ministry was working closely with the BPS.

“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,” he added.

“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.“

Robert King, the shadow national security minister, highlighted the community’s shock over the incident.

He said: “What happened last night was brazen and deeply disturbing — and it highlights the worsening security crisis that Bermuda can no longer afford to ignore.

“There are no winners when violence is seen as the only answer. There will only be more suffering unless the community comes together and demonstrates that it will not accept the loss of life from bladed weapons and guns.”

Mr King said: “I implore all Bermudians to stand together and fight to preserve the life of our youth. Our community must work together to prevent these behaviours.

“We must co-operate with the authorities, the courts and helping services, all working together to address risk and provide appropriate treatment and interventions.

“This will not be easy but it will hurt less when we don’t have to attend another young person’s funeral or see another go to prison for 20 years.”

The One Bermuda Alliance MP offered condolences to the family and friends of the two people who died in the latest incident and said his thoughts were also with those who were injured.

Police said today that there were four persons of interest to their inquiries, who were seen travelling to the bar two-a-piece on motorcycles.

Anyone who was in the area of the Legends sports bar at the time of the incident was asked to contact the BPS on 295-0011, the Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477 or speak to any officer they know.

The community reporting portal can also be used to provide information at portal.police.bm.

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