Police Respond with Force in Kingston’s Rockfort After a Tragic Shooting Event
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In the wake of a devastating mass shooting event that left five dead and two injured, the community of Rockfort in Kingston has become the focal point of a determined police operation. At least one individual allegedly linked to Monday evening’s tragic event has been fatally shot by police officers.
Superintendent Tommie-Lee Chambers, head of the Kingston Eastern Division, reported that a police team executed an operation on Rusden Road Tuesday morning based on received intelligence. This operation resulted in the shooting death of a suspect and the seizure of a firearm. However, the exact identity of the suspect remains undisclosed.
Superintendent Chambers emphasized the unprecedented nature of such violence in the Kingston Eastern Division and assured that the police would not remain passive in the face of such actions. Her resolve resonated as she was joined by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang during a visit to the affected areas of Pleasant Heights and Oliver Road in Rockfort.
The mass shooting occurred amidst a community gathering for a friendly football match, which tragically turned into a nightmare when a group of unidentified men opened fire on participants. The violent attack left five individuals dead while two others sustained injuries that, according to Superintendent Chambers, are not considered life-threatening.
In response to this shocking act of violence, a 48-hour curfew has been imposed on Rockfort. Minister Chang, after consultations with Acting Deputy Commissioner Warren Clarke, authorized this curfew to secure the area, gather intelligence, and prevent any suspect from evading law enforcement. The police, identifying key suspects, are pursuing them with marked intensity, Minister Chang stated.
Minister Chang further expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, condemning the brutal act and reinforcing the government’s commitment to justice. He highlighted his authority to extend the curfew if deemed necessary and assured the community of relentless pursuit to apprehend those responsible.
"As we offer our sympathy to the affected families, our mission remains—to ensure that such abhorrent acts do not recur in Rockfort or any other community," Dr. Chang declared.
The Rockfort incident remains a somber reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining peace and security, as authorities intensify efforts to restore order and justice in the region.
