Office of Gun Violence Prevention Highlights Progress Despite Rising Homicide Numbers

Two years since its formal operationalization, the leadership of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention said on Monday that they are making steady strides in reducing homicides and other violent crimes alongside the V.I. Police Department. That was the testimony of the Office’s director, Antonio Emmanuel, despite the steady stream of news about shootings in the community, with 37 homicides registered for 2024 so far. Providing an update before the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, Mr. Emanuel reminded the committee that the office is intended to be an “outreach agency focused on coordinating efforts that keep our young people safe, free and alive,” thus most of their efforts align with this mandate, he aruged. The Office of Gun Violence Prevention continues to approach gun violence as a “health epidemic,” he said, noting that the office has “no law enforcement responsibility or capability.” Per Mr. Emanuel, the office’s six team members co...