Press Releases

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO WEEKEND VIOLENCE, HIGHLIGHTS ONGOING GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION EFFORTS

Washington, D.C., June 24, 2025

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland 

June 24, 2025                                                    202-808-6129 

PRESS RELEASE 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO WEEKEND VIOLENCE, HIGHLIGHTS ONGOING GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION EFFORTS 

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (VI-AL) issued the following statement regarding the tragic shootings that have occurred in the territory over the last few months, including over this weekend in St. John and St. Croix, which resulted in three deaths and three injuries, including a 14-year-old boy: 

"I am deeply saddened by the shootings in our territory over the past few months. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I pray for the swift recovery of those injured, especially the young teenager who was struck multiple times. Every life lost to gun violence is a tragedy that reverberates throughout our entire Virgin Islands community. 

“While we mourn these losses, I want to assure Virgin Islanders that my office continues to work tirelessly to secure resources and allow the implementation of programs to combat gun violence in our territory. We have been working on multiple initiatives to address this crisis which include but are not limited to:  

  • Caribbean Regional Anti-Gun Trafficking Initiative through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) - $88 million for the CBSI in 2024. This federal funding enhances coordination between USVI law enforcement and regional partners to intercept illegal firearms before they reach our shores.  

  • $6.6 million from the Department of Justice to assist the Government of the Virgin Islands to prevent violent crime and expand services for victims.   

  • $4.8 million in federally funded grants awarded to criminal justice entities and administered by the Law Enforcement Planning Commission in the Virgin Islands for 2025.  

“This federal funding supports critical initiatives including the Virgin Islands Youth Opportunity and Violence Prevention Program which provides community-based after-school programs, job training, and mentorship opportunities for at-risk youth in St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Technology and Training Enhancement Grant provides advanced crime detection technology and provides specialized training in de-escalation and community policing techniques. In the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding requests, my office secured $3.9 million for the Virgin Islands Police Department to purchase three marine enforcement vessels to assist with the interdiction of drug-trafficking related criminal activity through the Virgin Islands as well as safety patrols through local waters and I continue to advocate with the DEA, Coast Guard and other federal agencies to stop the flow of guns and drugs through the Virgin Islands. 

“Gun violence is not just a law enforcement issue—it is a public health crisis that requires a comprehensive approach involving prevention, intervention, and community engagement. I will continue to advocate for federal resources and work with local leaders to implement evidence-based solutions that protect our families and restore peace to our neighborhoods. 

“I urge anyone with information about these shootings to contact the Virgin Islands Police Department immediately. Together, we must break the cycle of violence and build a safer future for all Virgin Islanders." 

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211 or Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) 

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