Witnesses to a fatal shooting were urged today to provide information as the Minister of National Security said the community owed it to the country to “stop pretending this is just another headline”.

Michael Weeks, after the death of a man following an incident in Pembroke last night, insisted that gun violence cannot be accepted as normal.

Police said that a report was received at about 10pm of gunshots heard in the area of Spruce Lane.

Officers attended and it was confirmed that shots had been fired into a nearby home, where an unresponsive victim was found.

Despite life-saving efforts by police and emergency medics, the man was pronounced dead a short time after he was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Mr Weeks said this afternoon: “I want to start by saying this plainly: another family in Bermuda is grieving today because of gun violence, and there is no way to dress that up.

“My heart is with the loved ones of the person who lost their life in Pembroke last night.

“This happened days before Christmas, a time when families should be together in peace.

“Instead, another household has been shattered. We cannot keep accepting this as normal.”

He added: “I fully support the Bermuda Police Service as they investigate this incident.

“I am urging anyone who saw something, heard something or has home camera footage to come forward. Silence protects violence. Information saves lives.

“We owe it to the victim. We owe it to their family. And we owe it to this country to stop pretending this is just another headline.”

The Gina Spence Programme, a grief support charity, earlier extended condolences to those affected by the gun murder — the sixth in Bermuda this year.

It said today: “This senseless act of violence has once again shaken our community and left many grappling with grief, trauma and uncertainty.”

Gina Spence, the charity’s founder and an advanced grief recovery specialist, added: “This loss is deeply painful and it is especially heartbreaking as we approach the Christmas season, a time when families long for peace, safety and togetherness.

“Grief does not take a holiday and, for many, this tragedy will permanently change what this season feels like.”

She said: “When a life is taken, the ripple effects are wide and lasting.

“Families, friends, witnesses, first responders and entire communities are affected.

“When grief goes unacknowledged or unsupported, it does not disappear, it often resurfaces in harmful ways. No one should have to carry this kind of pain alone.”

The GSP’s work aims to interrupt cycles of unresolved grief, strengthen individuals and families, and reduce the long-term impact of trauma within the community through clinical services, crisis response, education and advocacy.

Ms Spence said: “At times like this, our responsibility is not only to mourn, but to care.

“Healing begins when people are seen, supported and given space to process their loss.

“When we choose compassion and connection over silence, we help build safer, stronger communities for the future.”

Robert King, the Opposition leader and Shadow Minister of National Security, offered his condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim, whose life he said was “senselessly snuffed away”.

He added: “It makes no sense and we cannot continue to hope that this gun problem that is plaguing our shores will go away.

“Hopes and prayers are no longer the answer. Bermuda is in crisis.”

Mr King said: “December should be a time for joy and peace, not devastation.

“I call on the Government to work collaboratively with the Opposition to find a viable solution to quell this violence.

“There have been six too many gun deaths this year.”

Police have appealed to residents of Bandroom Lane and Spruce Lane who may have noticed any suspicious people or activity in their neighbourhood, shortly before or after 10pm last night, to call the main police number 295-0011.

“No matter how insignificant you may think that information to be, please contact us,” a spokesman said.

“You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477 or speak with a police officer you know.”

Police particularly want to hear from anyone in the area who may have Ring or other CCTV cameras.

The spokesman said: “We are asking that you check your devices to see whether they may have recorded any images of suspicious individuals or unusual activity as this could assist with the investigation into this matter.”

• For grief support and assistance from the Gina Spence Programme, call 296-0016 or visitgspcharity.com

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