Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, has condemned recent attacks on court officials, claiming that they “undermine the foundations of a fair and just legal system”.

Mr Weeks spoke out after an incident during the trial of Raheem Wray, who was charged — and subsequently found not guilty — of murdering Osagi Bascome.

Trial spectators from the public gallery confronted each other outside Sessions House at the end of proceedings last Wednesday.

Police confirmed later that two individuals who had been in public gallery allegedly assaulted Mr Wray as he was being escorted from the Supreme Court.

The suspects fled the scene before additional officers arrived. Two people were subsequently arrested and released on police bail pending further investigation.

Assistant Justice Mark Pettingill said later that the altercation constituted an attack on court officials.

Proceedings were switched to the Dame Louise Browne-Evans Building last Thursday after a request on Wednesday in which security concerns were cited, though the request was made before the altercation.

“These acts of violence involved assaulting and harassing court officers who were carrying out their duties,” Mr Weeks said.

“I strongly condemn any attack on Bermuda’s lawyers and court officers. These professionals play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.

“Such attacks jeopardise the safety and wellbeing of these individuals and others, and any act of violence undermines the foundations of a fair and just legal system."

Mr Bascome, who played football for the national team, was stabbed to death at a party in St David’s in the early hours of December 18, 2022.

Mr Wray’s trial began with proceedings taking place before a public gallery packed with family and friends of the murder victim and the accused.

After the switch of courtrooms last Thursday, security at the Dame Louis Brown- Evans Building was ramped up at the request of Mr Wray’s attorney, Jerome Lynch, KC.

Addressing the public gallery that morning, Assistant Justice Pettingill said that the altercation was “entirely unacceptable”.

“I am asking those here to heed my words. If you have any influence on those who are inclined to behave that way, encourage them to contact the police,” he noted.

“Officers of the court were assaulted in the mêlée. I have never in my 30-year career seen the type of thing I saw yesterday. It was totally unacceptable.”

The jury announced its not-guilty verdict after seven hours of deliberation on Monday evening, prompting an angry and emotional reaction from supporters of Mr Bascome.

Yesterday, The Royal Gazette reported that a knife was found in the courtroom during the trial. That matter is now being investigated by police.