Three people were killed and 10 others injured at a popular nightspot in the Turks and Caicos Islands in what authorities called the British territory's first mass shooting in recent history.
At least four suspects were involved in the shooting early on Sunday on the island of Providenciales. However, no one has been arrested, according to Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey, who called the incident "deeply disturbing".
"We are now having a gangland-type slaying and a lot of this gang violence seems to be concentrated in our Haitian communities," Bailey said at a press conference.
Turks and Caicos Premier Charles Washington Misick has appealed to the broader Haitian community residing in the Caribbean country to help with the investigation, stating the remarks were not aimed at the entire Haitian population there.
“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.”
The shooting comes as the archipelago cracks down on illegal immigration.
In early July, the islands’ police force said it had intercepted an "illegal vessel" transporting 194 migrants trying to reach the Caribbean country.
An estimated 10,900 Haitians reside in the Turks and Caicos Islands, accounting for approximately one-third of the territory’s population.
Approximately 80% of Haitians reside in Providenciales, and 20% hold permanent residency, according to the United Nations' humanitarian affairs office.
Acting Governor Anya Williams stated that the hospital in Providenciales was on lockdown to protect its patients.
