Police investigating Congress Place shooting : – unconfirmed reports suggest Granger’s bodyguard ‘panicked’ during the chaos and fired a shot

CRIME Chief Mr. Leslie James has confirmed that the Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into the shooting incident that occurred at Congress Place on Sunday during the final day of the PNCR’s 18th Biennial Congress that sent supporters and delegates scampering for cover amid the chaos.

The man (at left) who is alleged to be one of David Granger’s bodyguards can be seen holding a gun during the just concluded and very chaotic PNCR Congress, during which a gunshot was fired.
The man (at left) who is alleged to be one of David Granger’s bodyguards can be seen holding a gun during the just concluded and very chaotic PNCR Congress, during which a gunshot was fired.

James said the Police Force will be treating the incident with the seriousness it warrants, as it would any other shooting. He told the Chronicle that checks will also be made to ascertain the identity of the man who fired the shot, and whether he is a license firearm holder.
Several unconfirmed reports, including from PNCR members who attended the Congress, indicate that the shooter is a member of PNCR Leader David Granger’s security detail.

The police seem to be hunting for the man (the shooter) since, according to the Crime Chief, the police are in possession of ‘an image’ which they are working with. Checks have also been made at several places for the suspected shooter.

However, it is understood that the police have not been able to get any ‘proper’ information from the party administration, as Congress Place and the Office of the Leader of the Opposition are not cooperating with the police on the matter.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday morning, a source close to the Congress and who was present when the shot was fired, said there was absolutely no need for the firing of the gun and that it was done because the firearm holder “panicked”.

This publication was told that in the first place, the bodyguard was not even supposed to be present at the location where he was when the shooting incident occurred. The delegate said that the man was, however, placed at the location in an effort to prevent certain delegates to the Congress from voting.
After his aim was noticed by persons, they became very rowdy and began pushing which caused a barricade to fall. It was at the fall of the barricade that the gunshot went off.
During this period, it was revealed that PNCR leader David Granger and other party officials were locked in a meeting.

And according to information received, the gunshot was heard and despite that and the fact that several military personnel trained in the use of firearm and what gunshots sound like, none of them ventured out of the meeting to investigate the development.

The man who allegedly fired the gunshot, this publication was told, is not Mr. Granger’s usual bodyguard (close man) who is often seen around the PNCR leader at public engagements. The ‘shooter’ who fired the gun, it is alleged, would usually perform general security duties for Mr. Granger and would work between the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and Congress Place, Sophia.

Based on the utterances of the source who witnessed the entire ordeal, the ‘bodyguard’ whipped out the firearm from behind him, fired the shot and then kept the weapon in his hands for almost ten minutes before concealing it again.

The discharge of the firearm sent delegates running; however, no one was injured. The PNC/R delegates had gathered at Congress Place, Sophia, to vote in nominated individuals into key leadership positions within the party.
The Guyana Chronicle was informed by inside sources that the bodyguard of the party’s incumbent leader, Brigadier (Rtd.) David Granger, was the one who fired the shot just after noon, as the voting got underway. Another source added the gunshot was considered “necessary” to temper the behaviour of some of the delegates.
At a press conference late Sunday evening, party Chairman Basil Williams stated that the person who fired the shot is unknown, but is believed to be a member of the Returning Officer’s team and not involved in the party’s administrative matters.
Meanwhile, this newspaper spoke to several Members of Parliament (MPs) who contend that the wanton discharge of a firearm has left them worried for their safety in the National Assembly, as Granger’s bodyguard accompanies him to the sittings.
Attempts to contact the security personnel at the National Assembly to query if the main Opposition leader’s bodyguard has his firearm on his person and is required to lodge the weapon before proceeding up to the National Assembly’s Chambers proved futile.
Additionally, according to Guyana’s laws, depending on the circumstances surrounding the discharge of a firearm, the licence to carry the weapon can be revoked.
Written By Leroy Smith

 

 

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