In live address, Governor reports investigative progress, supports grieving family and law enforcement colleagues, and urges unity and community cooperation
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. delivered a live public address Sunday to reassure the Virgin Islands community that an intensive and coordinated law enforcement response is underway following the shooting death of Virgin Islands Police Department Executive Security Unit Officer Eustace Charles.
During the address, Governor Bryan honored Officer Charles’ life and service, expressed support for his grieving family and colleagues, and called on Virgin Islanders to remain calm, reject violence and cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
“I come before you today shocked, heartbroken and angered by the tragic shooting death of Executive Security Officer Eustace Charles,” Governor Bryan said. “Officer Charles was not only a valued member of the Virgin Islands Police Department’s Executive Security Unit. He was a member of our Government House family.”
Officer Charles was assigned to the security detail of Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., and was fatally shot Sunday morning while preparing to report for duty.
Governor Bryan described Officer Charles as a dependable colleague, a true gentleman and a dedicated public servant who carried out his duties with professionalism, commitment and a deep sense of responsibility.
“Those who worked alongside him knew the pride he took in protecting others,” Governor Bryan said. “His death is a devastating loss to the Executive Security Unit, the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.”
Governor Bryan said the VIPD acted swiftly in the hours following the shooting. Investigators used camera technology to track vehicles, apprehended several persons of interest, executed warrants and recovered firearms.
The governor declined to discuss details that could compromise the active investigation but said every available lead would be pursued thoroughly and relentlessly.
“We owe Officer Charles, his loved ones and every member of our community nothing less than the full pursuit of justice,” Governor Bryan said.
Governor Bryan said he has remained in close contact with Lieutenant Governor Roach, who was devastated by the loss of an officer assigned to his security detail.
At the time of the address, Lieutenant Governor Roach and Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. were visiting Officer Charles’ family to offer their condolences and support. The administration is also coordinating grief counseling and related assistance for Officer Charles’ fellow officers and colleagues in the Office of the Governor and Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
“To Officer Charles’ family, please know that you are not grieving alone,” Governor Bryan said. “Your Government House family, the Virgin Islands Police Department and a grateful Virgin Islands community are mourning with you.”
Governor Bryan also addressed the concern and anxiety caused by the recent rash of gun violence across the territory.
“Too many lives have been taken. Too many families have been left grieving,” Governor Bryan said. “This violence must stop.”
The governor emphasized that the actions of a small number of violent individuals do not define the Virgin Islands or represent the overwhelming majority of residents who want to raise their families, earn a living and live in safe and peaceful communities.
“We cannot allow the actions of a few bad actors to define our islands or rob our people of their sense of security,” Governor Bryan said.
Governor Bryan reaffirmed his full support for Police Commissioner Mario Brooks and the men and women of the VIPD. He said the administration would continue using every lawful and responsible resource available to strengthen law enforcement and protect the public.
The governor recently issued an executive order authorizing qualified law enforcement officers from other executive branch agencies to be deputized and placed under the command of the VIPD commissioner. The action increases the personnel available to support patrols, enforcement operations and other public safety efforts across the territory.
“We are strengthening the VIPD’s capacity and providing our officers with additional support,” Governor Bryan said. “We will continue to evaluate every lawful and responsible measure available to protect the public and confront those determined to bring violence into our communities.”
Governor Bryan stressed, however, that government action and police operations must be supported by community cooperation.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” Governor Bryan said. “It requires law enforcement, government, families, churches, schools, businesses and residents to work together.”
The governor urged anyone with information about Officer Charles’ killing, illegal firearms or other criminal activity to contact law enforcement. He noted that information can be provided confidentially and that residents do not have to place themselves in danger to assist investigators.
“Coming forward is not about turning against your community,” Governor Bryan said. “It is about standing up for your community and protecting the people you love.”
Governor Bryan assured residents that the administration would remain engaged, support law enforcement and keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.
“No executive order, police operation or government initiative can replace the eyes, ears and cooperation of the people we serve,” Governor Bryan said. “Law enforcement needs the community, and the community needs law enforcement. We must stand together.”
The governor closed by asking Virgin Islanders to support Officer Charles’ family, the VIPD and one another during the difficult days ahead.
“Let us reject violence and summon the courage to work together to keep our community safe,” Governor Bryan said. “May God comfort Officer Charles’ family and everyone who knew and loved him. May Officer Eustace Charles rest in eternal peace, and may God continue to bless and protect the people of the Virgin Islands.”
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