Persons responsible for gun-related violence will feel “the full weight of the criminal justice system”, National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief has warned.The MP issued a statement this afternoon, after two recent incidents: a 38-year-old man was shot in Southampton last night and another man airlifted to the US for treatment after he was shot multiple times in Devonshire.Police will use “strong enforcement” in their effort to counteract the recent rise in gang activity, the Minister said.“The behaviour of these few individuals is not in keeping with the spirit of this season and our traditions as a people. At a time when we should be embracing and helping our fellow man, the community is confronted with acts of selfishness and wanton violence. This will not be tolerated.”Last night’s shooting took place at a residence on East Avenue, around 7.05pm.Said a Police spokesman: “Officers immediately attended the area and cordoned off the scene. A full investigation into this incident is underway.”Police believe the shooter made good his escape on foot.Residents watched in silent shock as officers from the Serious Crimes Unit and Forensics combed the area for evidence.They had settled in and had been having dinner or watching the evening news when the shooting happened.One man said he heard some noises just after the television news had started, but thought nothing of it.Then he walked to his kitchen to get a drink and noticed police all over the area.“The thing about it, it was so quiet. After whatever happened you didn’t hear nobody screaming, nobody shouting, nobody pealing off on a bike,” he said.“And round here, once it’s quiet, it’s real quiet. At Halloween time you hear the children running through the neighbourhood.”He said he was disappointed but not entirely surprised that violence had come to the neighbourhood. “It’s how Bermuda is, nowadays.”“It’s just shocking. I guess you don’t think of the impact until it comes close to home,“ said another resident.The incident follows a shooting outside Gravity nightclub in Devonshire on Saturday.The victim in that incident suffered serious injuries to his back, shoulder and arms after he was shot multiple times.He has since been airlifted to the United States for specialist surgery.Cabinet is to discuss new legislation aimed at gangs in the New Year, Mr Perinchief said.He added the first steps to establishing the anti-gang programme CeaseFire, could be taken around the same time.“The first step is to devise a clear path to positive lifestyle choices for those caught up in this destructive cycle,” he said. “We want our young men engaged, working and contributing to this community; but the choice must be theirs.“Successful mediation efforts are best led through private sector activity and not necessarily through Government sponsored programmes, but this Government cannot wait for that leadership to start this important work. Concurrently we will pursue a non-Government entity to support the gang mediation activity but in the meantime we are committed to action.”Anyone with information on last night’s shooting is asked to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline, 800-8477.ENDS