ST. PETERS:--- A cloud of anger, suspicion, and profound grief hangs over the community of St. Peters following the fatal police shooting of Rudy Benjamin on the evening of February 13, 2026. What the Prosecutor’s Office and KPSM describe as a confrontation with an armed man, residents and Members of Parliament are calling a disproportionate execution of a beloved, harmless civilian.
The official narrative is sparse and cold: officers responded to reports of a man walking with a firearm, an interaction ensued, and police discharged their weapons. But the community’s narrative is one of confusion and fury. Why was it necessary to fire six shots? Why was lethal force the first resort for a man known to the neighborhood not as a criminal, but as a "jolly," "hardworking" figure who "never troubled nobody"?
"We Need to See the Footage"
The demand for transparency has reached a fever pitch. In an era of ubiquitous surveillance, the public is refusing to accept vague press releases. At least one Member of Parliament has taken to social media, breaking ranks to demand the immediate release of camera footage. "We need to see the camera footage that led to the shooting and ultimate death of a civilian who was under the influence of alcohol," the MP stated, cutting through the bureaucratic silence.
Residents are echoing this demand, pointing out that St. Peter's is heavily monitored. "It has numerous cameras everywhere in St. Peters," one resident noted online. "Don’t matter what direction he came from, show the footage."
The skepticism is rooted in a deep-seated lack of trust. The burning question remains: Did the officers who responded—reportedly to a call about a man walking with a gun—arrive in a marked car? Did they announce themselves? Or did they escalate a situation involving an intoxicated man walking home into a firing squad?
A Community in Mourning and Disbelief
To the police, Rudy Benjamin was a suspect "reacting in an unusual manner." To the people of St. Peter's, he was a neighbor, a friend, and a human being.
"I knew this man from a child," wrote Farley R. Elshot, a former resident of Genip Road. "This man was a hardworking man who troubled nobody... I really want to know why shoot a man that has no criminal history or tendencies."
The sentiment is universal across social media platforms. "This makes no sense," wrote Sarita Barry. "Everyone agrees that he would never try to shoot a popo." Others described him as "humble," "good-hearted," and "always with his mom’s smile on his face."
The disconnect between the police's description of a dangerous threat and the community's memory of a peaceful man is stark. It suggests a failure of policing that goes beyond this single, incidental failure to recognize the humanity of the people they are sworn to protect.
KPSM Under Fire
The incident has ripped the scab off old wounds regarding police conduct in Sint Maarten. Critics argue that the KPSM operates with a "shoot first, ask questions later" mentality. "SXM police law is... when they wrong, they right," commented Craig Hughes, capturing the cynical resignation many feel toward local law enforcement. "They can't fix traffic... and now a killing."
Another resident, Spice Love Phillips Carty, pointed to a severe training deficiency: "Our officers need more training to handle situations because I am not accepting Rudy's own."
The official investigation by the National Detectives (Landsrecherche) is underway, with the Prosecutor’s Office promising objectivity. But for a community that has seen too many incidents swept under the rug, promises are cheap. The Minister of Justice has called for "dignity and restraint," but peace cannot exist without justice.
No More Silence
The shooting of Rudy Benjamin is not just a tragedy; it is a flashpoint. It has galvanized a community that is tired of burying its own under questionable circumstances. "Just hope this is not internet talks alone," wrote Michach Flanders. "Stand as a community. Could have been anyone."
As investigators gather evidence, the eyes of St. Peter's—and all of Sint Maarten—are watching. The authorities must provide more than condolences; they must provide the truth. If six shots were fired at a man who was merely walking home, intoxicated and confused, then this was not law enforcement. It was a failure of the highest order.
The community will not rest until they know why Rudy Benjamin had to die. And they will not be silenced until they see the footage.