The Caguas Judicial Center in Puerto Rico.
A tragic shooting unfolded on Tuesday in front of a courthouse in Caguas, a northern city in the of Puerto Rico, claiming the lives of a brother and sister. The suspected shooter, who was arrested within minutes at the same location, was familiar with both victims, according to authorities.
The victims have been identified as a male civilian and a female security guard employed by a private firm. As of press time, the security company has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
The grim event was inadvertently captured live, as at least seven gunshots rang out while a reporter prepared for a live broadcast. The footage showed the journalist hastily leaving the area while another man took cover on the ground.
Puerto Rico Police Commissioner Antonio López arrived on-site shortly after the incident. “We are in the process of determining the motive behind this deeply unfortunate event,” López told the press.
Contrary to initial reports that suggested at least one other person was injured, authorities later clarified that no one else was physically harmed in the incident.
Alexis Torres, the Secretary of Puerto Rico’s Department of Public Safety, shed some light on a possible motive. He disclosed that both the suspect and the victims were embroiled in a legal battle over property. Jessika Correa, the island’s chief prosecutor, told local TV station TeleOnce that the suspect and victims had restraining orders against each other and were due in court on Tuesday due to an alleged violation of said orders by the suspect.
The shocking event has rocked the local community and raises questions about courthouse security and the broader issue of gun violence in the region. Investigations are ongoing.
