Man in Critical Condition After Fort Road Shooting as Concerns Rise Over Gun Violence in Antigua and Barbuda
A man is reportedly fighting for his life following a shooting on Fort Road near Toy Toy. According to reports, the victim was struck multiple times, including a gunshot to the head, and was immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition. His identity has not yet been confirmed.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and fear. One man who was nearby said that as he parked his car, a sudden burst of gunfire shattered the quiet. Overwhelmed, he ducked and lowered his car seat, unsure where the bullets were coming from or whether more shots would follow. The witness said the experience left him visibly shaken.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violent shootings that appear to be increasing in frequency across Antigua and Barbuda. Many residents are questioning official claims that crime rates are declining, pointing out that the statistics do not reflect the reality on the ground.
Authorities have successfully prosecuted individuals carrying unlicensed firearms, but experts stress that this addresses only a small part of the broader issue. Key questions remain: Where are these firearms coming from? Who is supplying them? How are they moving through ports and local networks? And who might be facilitating this illegal trade at higher levels?
Firearms do not appear in the hands of criminals by accident—they move through organized networks and systems. Until the architects and financiers of this illegal flow are identified and held accountable, violence is likely to continue, leaving innocent residents at risk.
