Jamaica Chaos: Shootings Kill 5, Injure 10 – Curfews Now in Effect

Panoramic cityscape of Kingston, Jamaica, from a hilltop vantage.

Kingston, Jamaica — October 8, 2025 - Authorities in Jamaica imposed emergency curfews across multiple communities Wednesday following two mass shootings over the weekend that left five people dead and 10 injured, as the government ramps up efforts to curb escalating gang violence in volatile urban areas.

The attacks occurred in the Linstead area of St. Catherine Parish, about 45 km (28 miles) west of Kingston, where rival gangs clashed amid a turf war over drug routes and extortion rackets.On Sunday night, gunmen opened fire on a group in the Commodore community, killing three and wounding seven in a hail of over 50 rounds from assault rifles.Hours later, a second shooting in nearby Ewarton claimed two more lives and injured three others, including a 14-year-old boy caught in crossfire.

In response, police declared a 48-hour curfew starting at 6 p.m. Monday in Commodore, Top Hill, and sections of Linstead, restricting movement except for essential workers and medical emergencies.The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) deployed over 200 officers, including the Mobile Reserve, to enforce the order and conduct joint patrols with the Jamaica Defence Force.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced a J$5 million ($32,000) reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible, during a meeting with victims' families on Tuesday."These acts of barbarism will not be tolerated—we are using every tool at our disposal to restore peace," Holness said, vowing to expand states of public emergency (SOEs) if needed.

National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang reported the shootings as part of a broader uptick, with 1,200 murders recorded nationwide through October 4—a 10% increase from the same period in 2024, per JCF statistics.Gang-related homicides account for 65% of killings, concentrated in parishes like St. Catherine and St. James.

Residents in the curfew zones expressed mixed relief and frustration. "We can't even buy food after dark—it's like living in prison," said one Top Hill mother, who requested anonymity for safety. Community leaders urged youth intervention programs, noting that 70% of perpetrators are under 25.

As the curfew lifts Thursday, police plan intensified operations, including drone surveillance and checkpoints. For Jamaica, where gun violence claims 40 lives weekly, the Linstead tragedy underscores the urgent need for systemic change amid a homicide rate of 52 per 100,000—the highest in the Americas.