Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Celebrations Disrupted by Fatal Shooting Incident

During Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, a shooting occurred in St. James, resulting in one death and four injuries, including one U.S. citizen. The deceased was identified as Irvin Joaquin Mayora, a 30-year-old Venezuelan national. A 61-year-old man is involved as a shooter in self-defense, and the police investigation continues amidst a State of Emergency.

During the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival festivities, a tragic shooting incident occurred, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. The incident took place on Carnival Tuesday along the Western Main Road in St. James, claiming the life of 30-year-old Irvin Joaquin Mayora, a Venezuelan national. Among the injured are four additional individuals, including a 66-year-old man from Diego Martin and a US citizen, a 65-year-old woman from Maryland.

Preliminary reports indicate that a 61-year-old man from Carapichaima was attacked while walking on the Western Main Road. In response, he drew a firearm he possessed and shot at his assailant, inadvertently injuring four bystanders. Mayora reportedly succumbed after fleeing a short distance and collapsing. The 61-year-old remained at the scene, cooperating with law enforcement upon their arrival, and his firearm was confiscated.

Victims were transported to St. James District Hospital for treatment. Notably, the condition of a 25-year-old man shot in the head from St. James is serious, with others reported as stable. An investigation team that included senior police officials visited the site, where 11 spent 9mm shells were recovered. Police stated that it remains unconfirmed whether Mayora was the assailant, although there is a strong suspicion he was the one who attacked the 61-year-old.

This incident surfaced shortly after a confidence walk led by Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds and acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin, who had praised the efforts that contributed to the perceived safety of the Carnival. Enquiries are ongoing, and a press briefing is anticipated to provide updates. Notably, the country is under a State of Emergency, providing additional powers to law enforcement, though there is no curfew currently in effect.

The Carnival festivities in Trinidad and Tobago were overshadowed by a violent shooting incident that resulted in one death and multiple injuries, highlighting ongoing concerns over public safety even during major celebrations. While the police continue their investigation, the tragic event serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining peace and safety within the community.

Original Source: stlucia.loopnews.com