Rockfort under SOE following mass shooting

Rockfort and other areas within the Kingston East Division are now under a State of Public Emergency (SOE).

The declaration was made by the Government today.

The security measure comes amid the shooting of seven persons, five fatally, at a football match.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) stated that a thorough assessment by the security forces indicates that the elevated levels of violent criminal activity within the designated areas of such severity and scale that they pose a significant threat to public safety.

“Sunday night’s murders in Rockfort have shocked the nation. We have taken decisive steps to safeguard the lives of our citizens and prevent further acts of organised violence. The Government, in close coordination with the security forces, is committed to taking the urgent steps to restore order and ensure the safety of the affected resident,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“The safety and security of our citizens is our top priority. This act of terror in Rockfort is a grave threat to the peace of our nation, and we will not allow criminal elements to destabilise our communities. The security forces have been fully mobilised, and we will use all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore calm,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang.

OPM says the Government and the security forces will continue to take all necessary actions to protect the safety of residents and restore normalcy in East Kingston.

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