Congress Place shooter to be charged

Moments before boarding a Travelspan Flight destined for John F Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, the perpetrator who discharged a round during the last day of the People’s National Congress/Reform Congress was nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Ever since the shooting incident, the Police have been hunting for Linden Primo, but he disappeared until his arrest on Tuesday evening.

Members of the Criminal Investigations Department have launched an investigation into the shooting incident and have since confirmed that no firearm licence was issued to the said individual.

One source confirmed that the man is being grilled by CID ranks at Police Headquarters and he is expected to be slapped with two charges – discharging a loaded firearm in a public place and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Hours after the shooting incident at Congress Place, party leader David Granger told media operatives that the internal security of PNCR has launched an investigation surrounding the incident.

Party Chairman Basil Williams is on record as saying that the shot was fired in the air after there was a “situation” at one of the polling stations. He said someone was in “danger” of being trampled; hence, the unknown individual fired a shot into the air to disperse the crowd.

Williams told reporters that the shooter was no way connected to the PNCR Administration. Guyana Times International understands that the man was a member of the Returning Officer Team. In responding to the outcries, the man reportedly fired a single shot into the air.

Former General Secretary Aubrey Norton moments after pulled out of the leadership race, but not before condemning the shooting incident, saying that there were other ways in addressing the issue.

Norton said he cannot recall during his tenure with the party that a gun had to be used to restore law and order.

“A gun should not have been used… not at all, you’re trying to say to me you need to shoot a gun to restore order,” questioned Norton, adding that “there should be no shooting at congress place”.

Former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Clarissa Riehl has also criticised Granger, contending that he is too “aloof”, while nothing that he should have been able to calm the crowd down.

She said while the pandemonium was ongoing at Congress Place, Granger was having refreshments with another senior member and a security official.

The single gunshot caused the delegates attending the conference to scamper for cover.