"Last night in the tranquil village of Somerset, a most violent assault on the peace and security of our Country was committed, which resulted in the loss of two (2) of our young people, and serious injuries to three (3) others.
"This heinous firearm attack strikes at the very heart of our values as a peaceful and close-knit island community. It is a direct assault on everything for which we stand, and we will not tolerate it in Bermuda.
"Let me be clear: I condemn this vicious and senseless violence in the strongest possible terms. It is unacceptable. It is devastating, and it is a painful reminder of the long and difficult road we have travelled in the fight against gang and gun violence in Bermuda.
"To the families and loved ones of the victims, I extend my deepest condolences. No family should have to receive the news that their loved one has been murdered. I personally share your grief.
"The Bermuda Police Service is investigating, and we, of course, fully support their efforts. My Ministry is working closely with the BPS as they carry out this investigation, and we remain committed to helping them not only in this immediate response but in the long-term fight to end gun violence across the Island.
"We call on anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Speak to the police. Use the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline. Check your cameras. Talk to someone you trust. Silence cannot be an option in the presence of this kind of violence.
"As Minister, I also want to reiterate what I have said many times before: the safety and security of every Bermudian is this Government’s highest priority. But no government, no police force, and no single agency can do this alone.
"We need the collective strength of our entire community. We need our mothers, fathers, teachers, pastors, and neighbours to step forward, not only to break the silence but to be a part of the solution to this problem.
"I am also calling for calm in our community. In moments like this, when emotions are understandably high, we must stand united in seeking solutions, not divided in pointing blame. We must collectively reject violence in all forms and resist the urge to retaliate.
"In the coming days, the Ministry of National Security will continue to support the police, assist the victims’ families, and coordinate with our partners in the community to ensure that this cycle of violence is not allowed to continue."