HAMILTON, Bermuda — Bermuda’s National Security Minister Ryan Perinchief has pledged the government’s full support for the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) as the island responds to a recent spate of shootings.

Speaking at a media briefing on October 15, Perinchief said he had met with Police Commissioner Darrin Simons and asked him to identify the resources needed to address gun violence.

“Too many of our young people are being lost or harmed through gun violence, and we can never accept this as normal,” Perinchief said.

He acknowledged the impact of the shootings on affected families and communities, while cautioning that there was no simple solution to the problem.

“We reflected on the understanding that there is no easy fix to this issue, but that the answer is in community,” he said.

“To both families, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’m truly sorry that you’re going through this terrible experience. These shootings are serious, and I understand the fear and hurt they have caused in our community.”

The Bermuda Police Service reported five shooting incidents on its social media platforms over the past week. None resulted in fatalities, but the incidents led to hospitalisations.

On October 14, a man was struck in the head by a projectile from an air rifle in an incident involving a licensed firearms holder who discharged a firearm while exterminating chickens in the Hurst Crescent area, near the junction with Bakery Lane in Pembroke. The man was taken into custody and was listed in critical condition.

Three shootings were also reported within hours of each other on October 14.

Simons said police would increase their presence in communities and introduce targeted enforcement measures against people suspected of driving gun violence.

“You will see more officers in uniform on the road, in your neighbourhoods. You will also see targeted enforcement, with officers going directly to the offenders we believe are driving gun violence,” he said.

“And rest assured, there will also be a wide range of policing activity that you will not see that targets those criminals that cause the highest harm in our community.”