Bahamas vacation warning as politician shot and killed by masked gunmen in robbery

Don Saunders, 49, was gunned down by two armed robbers who demanded cash from him and other patrons

A prominent politician from the Bahamas tragically lost his life in an armed robbery on Wednesday night, as confirmed by the police.

Donald L. Saunders, 49, a former parliament member and the deputy chairman of the Free National Movement Party, was fatally shot during the incident. The robbery took place shortly before 9 pm ET in the Gambier Village area, nine miles west of Nassau's city capital, Nassau.

Saunders was among several patrons seated outside a business establishment when two masked gunmen approached them and demanded money. The situation escalated when the gunmen opened fire, striking Saunders in the upper torso.

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the patrons scattered in panic, prompting the assailants to continue firing. Emergency medical services personnel arrived at the scene but found no vital signs of life in Saunders.

The police are actively investigating the armed robbery, but no arrests have been made yet. The perpetrators reportedly fled the area in a stolen 2014 gray Nissan vehicle.

Saunders, an attorney who transitioned into politics, represented Tall Pines as a member of Parliament (MP) and served as the deputy chairman of the FNM Party since 2002. Additionally, he held the position of deputy speaker of the House of Assembly from 2017 to 2021. He is survived by his wife and two children.

FNM party leader Michael C. Pintard expressed deep sorrow over Saunders' death on social media and extended condolences to his family.

The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about crime in the Bahamas, prompting a Level 2 travel advisory from the US Department of State for American tourists. The advisory urges travelers to exercise caution, especially in areas like New Providence in Nassau and Grand Bahama in Freeport, where incidents of burglary, armed robbery, and sexual assault have been reported.