A prominent local realtor who was also the first vice president of the Arlington County NAACP was killed in gunfire while on vacation in Turks and Caicos, a close friend of the family tells 7News.
The Arlington County NAACP announced Wednesday that Kent Carter passed away Sunday, Oct. 2 while vacationing abroad and they are mourning the "tragic and unexpected loss."
"Our deepest sympathies go out to his family. May God grant them strength during this time of sorrow," NAACP officials wrote on their Facebook post.
Carter died after "armed criminals" fired into a vehicle at 6 p.m. on Long Bay Road, according to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police (RTCIPF) Commissioner Trevor Botting. Another person from a local business was also killed, Botting said at a news conference. Other people were injured, including officers.
Botting said the vehicle that Carter was in was on its way back from an excursion and that he was an innocent victim caught up in a local turf war.
"Our deepest condolences go out to the family of those who were murdered," Botting said.
After firing into the first vehicle, police said the suspects then got into a shootout with police before escaping. Police believe one of the gunmen was killed in that shootout.
"The original attack was targeted and carried out by armed gang members who act without conscience, who have no regard for life," Botting said. "We know the violence was linked to drug supply and is fueled by revenge, turf wars and retribution."
Members of the NAACP Arlington Branch described Carter as a humble, selfless advocate for social justice who was willing to give up a lot of free time to serve on committees.
“Kent was a tremendous and positive influence on our organization," said NAACP Arlington Branch executive committee member James Younger. "Kent was the type of person who always had a positive outlook. Whenever you saw him he was always smiling.”
“Given that a lot of his work involved communities that were underprivileged and underserved, I think he had a deep passion for making sure that those without a voice had one," said Bryan Coleman with the NAACP Arlington Branch.
Coleman added that at the same time, Carter had a terrific personality.
“He was always very fun to be around, and extremely funny.”
The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands released a statement regarding the shooting saying its government regrets the incident:
"The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) regrets the unfortunate incident involving the death of a visitor to our islands on 2nd October 2022. The incident which occurred was accidental and not one in which the victim was targeted. While the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police force (RTCIPF) continues their investigations, we wish to reassure the public (citizens, resident and visitors alike) that the safety and security of all, is our top priority.
The TCI has long established itself as a safe destination for visitors from around the world. Evidence of this can be seen in the countless awards the destination has won, most recently at the World Travel Awards. Our commitment to providing safety to residents and visitors is unwavering. The government will continue to work with local authorities including the RTCIPF and our partners in the international community to protect residents and visitors alike.
The incident which occurred on the date mentioned above is one that is rare and does not reflect who we are as a people. On behalf of the government and people of these islands, we extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.
As this matter is now an on-going police investigation, further statements will be referred to RTCIPF.
The TCI remains a safe destination and the government is working assiduously for it to remain as such."
Police in Turks and Caicos are investigating the shooting and searching for the gunmen involved.