The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has condemned the "reprehensible and cowardly" attack on the offices of Nationwide News Network.
It's reported that a lone gunman on a motorcycle opened fire in the parking lot of the company's Bradley Avenue compound on Friday afternoon.
No one was injured in the attack but two employees' vehicles were damaged.
In a statement Friday evening, PAJ President Milton Walker said: “This vile act constitutes an unprecedented assault on a news organization and represents a grave attack on the fundamental principles of press freedom that all Jamaicans hold dear.”
The PAJ said it stands in solidarity with NNN and the broader journalism community in Jamaica during this challenging time.
“We firmly believe that an independent and fearless press is the cornerstone of any democratic society. An attack on one news organization is an attack on the collective freedom of the press, and it is an affront to the values of democracy and transparency," said Mr. Walker.
The PAJ urged the police to swiftly investigate the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served.
It also urged all Jamaicans to unite in condemning this act of violence against the press.
The Press Association maintained that attacks on the media will not deter journalists from their duty to inform the public and ensure that the truth prevails.
'Dark day for journalism'
Meanwhile, the media owners umbrella group – Media Association of Jamaica – expressed “shock, disgust and disappointment” at the attack on the media house, warning that the attack may serve to intimidate journalists from carrying out their work on behalf of the public.
Calling it a dark day for journalism in Jamaica, the MAJ appealed for the police to investigate promptly and bring those responsible to book.
The government has also condemned the attack on Nationwide News.
Information Minister Robert Morgan said any attack on any member of the media is an attack on democracy.
The government restated its commitment and support to a free press which it said should not be intimidated in any way.
The opposition People's National Party, in the meantime, said it is astonished by reports of the attack on Nationwide but relieved that no worker was injured in the incident.
It urged the police to launch a "swift and comprehensive" investigation into the matter and implored anyone with information to immediately share this with the police.
Nationwide staff inconsolable
Nationwide's Deputy Executive Editor George Davis had reported the attack in a breaking news item shortly after 4:30 p.m. Friday.
One of the two vehicles damaged had at least four bullet holes and a shattered front passenger window.
Several employees were in the parking lot at the time of the attack, but no one was hurt.
Mr. Davis told Radio Jamaica News in a brief conversation that employees were terrified and some inconsolable in the aftermath.
He noted that the station would be putting in extra security measures.
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