Wednesday 5 October 2022 10:31 PM Virginia NCAAP leader shot, killed in car ambush while on birthday trip to ... trends now A prominent NAACP leader and activist from Virginia was shot and killed while on vacation in Turks and Caicos over the weekend. According to police, Kent Carter of Arlington, Virginia was one of two people shot when a shuttle vehicle headed back from the beach was ambushed by a group of men in a seemingly random act near Long Bay. Carter, who was on vacation with his girlfriend for his birthday, was just 40-years-old. One NAACP official told a local news station in Washington, D.C. that he has been in contact with Carter's girlfriend who said that Carter 'immediately used his body to shield her,' from gunfire, and that he saved her life. Kent Carter, 40, was shot and killed in a car ambush while on a vacation to Turks and Caicos with his girlfriend Carter, a realtor and veteran, was one of two people shot in the ambush. Carter's girlfriend told an Arlington NAACP official that her boyfriend shielded her from the gunshots According to FOX 5 DC who spoke with officials from the Arlington County NAACP, the chapter Carter was heavily involved in, the vehicle was shot at multiple times by men with automatic weapons. Another man was hurt in the incident. 'These criminals began to indiscriminately shoot into the vehicle,' Turks and Caicos Police Commissioner Trevor Botting said in a statement Monday. Suspects in the case were identified and tracked down following the incident. A photo shared of damage to the vehicle that Carter was riding in shows at least 21 places where bullets entered the vehicle Carter, his girlfriend, and another person were riding in this car when they were ambushed by a group of men with automatic weapons At least one suspect is believed to have been shot and killed by officers during a shootout. Other suspects are believed to have gotten away. An officer involved in the shootout was seriously injured, officials said. 'I believe the original attack was targeted and carried out by armed gang members who act without conscience, who have no regard for life,' Botting said. Shortly after the incident, Turks and Caicos Governor Nigel John Dakin blamed Jamaican gangs. Dakin said the gangs are responsible for not only this senseless shooting, but other crimes in the area in recent weeks and months. 'It remains ongoing and it will not stop, unless we stop it,' Dakin said Monday. The Turks and Caicos government responded to the violent incident, issuing an apology for the families impacted. Carter was active in his community and beloved my many, according to tributes posted by friends and family members following his death 'The incident which occurred on the date mentioned above is one that is rare and does not reflect who we are as a people,' a statement from government officials said. 'On behalf of the government and people of these islands, we extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.' The Virginia man was a realtor and broker, as well as a veteran, according to his girlfriend. Carter also held a major position with the oldest chapter of the African American Masonic lodge in Virginia, according to friends. Tributes poured in following the news of the activist and realtor's death over the weekend. 'Mr. Carter was not only a friend but a true champion of civil rights and social justice,' said Julius D. 'JD' Spain, Sr., President of the NAACP Arlington Branch, in an interview with FOX 5 DC. One of Carter's neighbors told NBC 4 in Washington, D.C. that his death is heartbreaking and unjust. 'Probably one of the best neighbors I've ever had, so this is really heartbreaking,' the neighbor said. One person who knew the Virginia man said that he leaves behind a young daughter. All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility