A woman was shot and killed outside a church in Montego Bay, St James, on Wednesday afternoon. The brazen attack unfolded while dozens were worshipping inside the building.
The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the New Testament Church of God located along Water Lane. At the time, congregants had gathered for a fasting service, which was reportedly in progress when gunfire erupted at the entrance to the churchyard.
According to eyewitness accounts, a small van stopped outside the churchyard, and a man alighted from the vehicle. He then began firing shots at a woman. Reports say the woman, who was near the church entrance, was struck five times and collapsed within the church.
She was quickly assisted by individuals at the scene and transported to the Cornwall Regional Hospital. However, she succumbed to her injuries. Residents in the area indicated that the woman was a familiar figure, often seen selling books outside the church.
Footage from a livestream of the sermon captured the moment the gunman opened fire on the victim in the background. The pastor could be seen preaching while members of the congregation were engaged in worship, before the sound of several gunshots interrupted the proceedings.
The sudden eruption of gunfire triggered confusion among attendees, followed by visible panic. Some congregants were seen reacting emotionally. Many raised their voices as they engaged in what appears to be an immediate spiritual resistance, rejecting the intrusion of violence into the sacred space.
The senior Superintendent in charge of the St. James Division gave instructions for the service to be brought to an end and for members of the congregation to vacate the premises as investigations commenced. However, for a period after the shooting, the service reportedly continued despite the unfolding situation outside.
Law enforcement personnel have since begun probing the circumstances surrounding the killing. No motive has yet been established, and the identity of the shooter remains unknown.
