Several Jamaican news outlets report that Member of Parliament Desmond McKenzie was pepper-sprayed during an incident in downtown Kingston in the early morning hours. The Jamaica Observer says the incident occurred sometime after 6 a.m. at or near a police station, citing viral video circulating on social media. In the footage described by the Observer, McKenzie rinses his face with water and milk while police officers are present, as bystanders shout remarks about pepper spray.
The Jamaica Gleaner reports that McKenzie condemns police after the incident, saying he was pepper-sprayed by an officer while he was attempting to calm residents following a police shooting in his West Kingston constituency on Tuesday morning. The Jamaica Star similarly frames the episode as occurring during a police operation, with McKenzie alleging police pepper-sprayed him.
Separately, the Jamaica Observer reports that the Jamaica Labour Party says McKenzie is doing well after the ordeal and planned a precautionary medical consultation. The JLP adds that he remains active in his duties and expresses appreciation for public support. The outlets also note that the full circumstances have not been independently confirmed in the available reporting.
