NAACP Arlington Branch Mourns Fatal Shooting Of Kent Carter

ARLINGTON, VA — Kent Carter, first vice president of the NAACP Arlington Branch, was fatally shot while on vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Sunday, according to news reports.

Carter, an activist and philanthropist, was “well known for his dedication to, and uplifting of, our community,” the NAACP Arlington Branch said in an announcement.

Gang members “indiscriminately” opened fire on a vehicle in which he was taking a tour, local authorities told NBC4.

Carter, a real estate agent, had been visiting the British overseas territory to celebrate his 40th birthday, NBC4 reported.

“His civic work and volunteerism also extended throughout the broader Arlington community and with Keller Williams Realty and the Prince Hall Freemasons of Virginia,” the civil rights organization said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.”

Police in Turks and Caicos told NBC4 that members of a gang shot at the vehicle carrying tourists and guides who were returning from an excursion. A shootout with police followed. Carter, a tour guide and a suspect were killed in the incident, and five other people were injured.

The NAACP Arlington Branch said it will share any additional details about funeral or memorial service plans for Carter. In the meantime, cards of condolence can be sent to: NAACP Arlington Branch, In Memory of Kent D. Carter, PO Box 4528, Arlington, VA 22204.