Heavily armed masked men open fire outside
At about 11:30 PM last night, at least four heavily armed, masked men approached patrons outside a bar in Baughers Bay and opened fire, according to reports reaching our News Centre from VINO; no one was injured and it is unclear if anything was taken. The incident is the second attack on a drinking establishment in the Territory within a week, following an October 4 robbery near Tortola Pier Park in Road Town in which one patron was shot and remains hospitalised.
Police are investigating after at least four heavily armed, masked men approached patrons outside a bar in Baughers Bay at about 11:30 PM last night and several shots were fired, according to reports reaching our News Centre from Virgin Islands News Online (VINO). VINO reports that the gunmen were masked and heavily armed and that, while multiple shots were reportedly fired, no one was injured.
It remains unclear whether the attackers took any property before leaving the scene. Authorities have not released details about suspects, a motive or any arrests. The attack comes just days after a separate incident on Saturday, October 4, 2025, when gunmen entered a popular bar in the vicinity of Tortola Pier Park in Road Town and robbed patrons; one person was shot in that earlier incident and remains hospitalised, VINO said.
The close timing of the two attacks has intensified concern among residents and business owners. Police have appealed to anyone with information, video footage or eyewitness accounts to come forward to assist with the investigations. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been asked for comment; officers have been reported anecdotally as increasing patrols and maintaining a visible presence in nightlife districts, though authorities say they will confirm any formal operational changes as investigations continue.
Local reaction to last night’s shooting has been one of alarm. Business owners and residents have renewed calls for stronger security measures for bars and other nightlife venues. Many have said they will review and strengthen protocols such as lighting, CCTV coverage and staff training while awaiting formal guidance from police and government agencies.
The recent incidents have also reignited a debate in the Territory about whether licensed firearms should be permitted for businesspeople to protect their premises. Supporters argue that licensed arms could serve as a deterrent and offer faster defence in extreme situations, while opponents warn that more weapons in commercial settings risk escalating violence and complicating law enforcement responses.
For BVI residents, two armed attacks in quick succession raise broader concerns about public safety, the security of small businesses and potential impacts on the hospitality and tourism sectors. The News Centre will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and emergency services.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact police to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
Primary source: VINO