Fatal Police Shootings/Linden protests: President urges ‘let good sense prevail’

President Irfaan Ali has urged those protesting two fatal Police shootings in the town of Linden to “let good sense prevail” and allow the investigation to run its course and bring clarity to the situation.

“Do not be instigated to destroy public or private property and infrastructure.

“Such actions are both unhelpful and unlawful.

“As I have stated, an independent external probe is underway, and every aspect—including the actors, actions, and directives involved—will be thoroughly investigated,” the President stated.

The Guyana Police Force on Tuesday confirmed that a protester was shot and killed after protests erupted over the fatal Police shooting of a young Lindener.

The protester who was shot when Police opened fire on Tuesday has been identified as Dan Johnson.

According to the police, several officers were injured during escalating unrest in Linden after Ronaldo Peters, a 21-year-old Linden was shot and killed by a Police sergeant on Monday.

“Police discharged rounds at the crowd in an effort to mitigate the situation where they were burning tires and destroying government infrastructure,” the police statement noted.

The police reported that they were greeted with “missiles” while videos on social media show protesters throwing rocks at officers.

“The rounds discharged at the protesters caused the demise of a protester,” Police headquarters stated.

Police vehicles were also vandalised and damaged during the protest.

President Ali said he will meet with Linden leaders and relatives of both young men and assured that there will be a full and independent investigation that will be supported by the RSS.

The ranks involved in both shootings were placed under arrest and the Office of Professional Responsibility has commenced investigations.

Members of the Regional Security System (RSS) will lead an independent investigation into the shooting.