Three people were killed and 10 others injured in a mass shooting at a nightclub in the Turks and Caicos Islands early Sunday morning, marking what officials described as the British territory’s first known mass shooting in recent history.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:57 a.m. on July 27, 2025, at the Island Hookah Lounge on Leeward Highway in Providenciales. Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey reported that at least four suspects were involved in the attack, though no arrests have been made as of Tuesday.
Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force responded to reports of gunfire at the popular nightlife establishment. Upon arrival, they secured the scene and worked with emergency medical services to attend to multiple victims. Three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while 10 others suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious.
All injured victims were transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where seven remained hospitalized with varying degrees of injury as of Sunday. One person was reported in serious condition. Two victims required airlift to overseas facilities for advanced medical treatment, and the local hospital was placed on lockdown to protect patients and secure the scene.
Bailey described the incident as deeply disturbing and revealed that preliminary investigations and CCTV footage suggest the shooters were armed with high-powered weapons. He characterized the attack as indiscriminate violence designed to incite fear and assured the public that police and partner agencies would maintain a visible presence to ensure resident safety.
Premier Charles Washington Misick linked the shooting to gang-related violence during an emergency press conference held Sunday. He indicated that authorities suspect inter-gang or intra-gang conflicts, with particular focus on Haitian gang activity. Misick noted that much of the gang violence appears concentrated in Haitian communities within the territory.
The Premier made a direct appeal to Haitian residents and community leaders, urging them to cooperate with law enforcement efforts. He emphasized that individuals within the community likely possess critical knowledge about how illegal firearms enter the country. Misick stated, “What is happening here is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.”
While clarifying that his remarks were not aimed at the broader Haitian population, Misick expressed belief that some individuals are not only involved in the violence but also aid and abet criminal activity for financial gain. He warned that the government would target both perpetrators and anyone facilitating or protecting them, promising new resources for law enforcement to ensure offenders are captured and prosecuted.
Acting Governor Anya Williams confirmed that the incident has been declared a national security critical event, activating all protocols. She reported contacting Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, who was away from the country, and informing the United Kingdom of the situation.
The shooting comes during a period when the islands are intensifying efforts to combat illegal immigration. An estimated 10,900 Haitians live in the Turks and Caicos Islands, representing one-third of the territory’s population. Approximately 80% of Haitians reside on Providenciales, with 20% holding permanent residency status according to United Nations humanitarian affairs office data.
Bailey noted that until the previous week, the territory had experienced a 30% reduction in murders. Yet, recent events—such as the double murder of two brothers and this mass shooting—have seriously set back those improvements. As of Sunday, the country’s murder count stood at 22.
Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting.
The identities of the deceased victims are being withheld pending formal notification of next of kin. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, though authorities continue to focus on potential gang-related connections.
In March, the State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime. The advisory recommended avoiding walking alone at night, not answering doors unless guests are expected, and not physically resisting during robbery attempts.
Both Bailey and Misick reaffirmed their commitment to justice and urged unity and cooperation to address the violence threatening the peace and security of the territory. The government pledged full support for law enforcement efforts to capture the suspects and restore public safety.