Crime

'I Will Not Turn a Blind Eye to Senseless, Age-Old Practice' of Celebratory Gunfire, Bryan Says, Praising Velinor, Officers

Governor Albert Bryan late Sunday lauded the Virgin Islands Police Department and Commissioner Trevor Velinor for an operation on New Year's Eve into New Year's Day that led to 8 arrests and over a dozen firearms being taken off the streets. Called Operation Eagle Eye, VIPD along with other law enforcement personnel crisscrossed the islands from east to west, aided by ShotSpotter, and led a successful initiative that removed illegal firearms from the streets. The results should dampen upcoming New Year's Eve celebratory gunfire. "There is nothing celebratory about firing bullets in the air and terrorizing peaceful Virgin Islanders attending church or enjoying their New Year's Eve festivities," Mr. Bryan said in a statement. "As governor, I will not turn a blind eye to this senseless, dangerous, and illegal age-old practice and congratulate the Virgin Islands Police for a job well done on its response." He added, "The success of Operation Eagle Eye is another example of the commitme...