Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has condemned remarks made by Housing Minister Phillip Alexander following Thursday’s deadly shooting in Belmont, saying political rhetoric has no place while families grieve.

In a statement issued Friday, Beckles expressed condolences to the relatives of two-year-old Akini Kafi, his father Akiel Caffie and Anthony Wilson, who were killed during the attack along St Francois Valley Road, Belmont.

“Their loss is heartbreaking, and the entire country grieves with them,” Beckles stated.