U.S. Virgin Islands — Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea today announced that the Virgin Islands Department of Justice will take an uncompromising approach to prosecuting crimes involving illegal firearms as the Territory confronts an alarming rise in gun violence.
“The senseless gun violence that continues to plague our communities has devastated families, traumatized neighborhoods, and threatened the safety of every law-abiding Virgin Islander,” Attorney General Rhea said. “Let me be absolutely clear: if you choose to commit crimes with firearms in the Virgin Islands, you should expect to face the full force of the law. The Department of Justice will aggressively prosecute firearm offenders and seek the strongest penalties authorized under the law.”
Attorney General Rhea said the Department’s commitment extends beyond legislative reform and will be reflected in every stage of the criminal justice process.
“The message is simple,” Rhea said. “We will not tolerate individuals who terrorize our communities with illegal firearms. We will take a tough stand in court, vigorously prosecute these cases, and hold violent offenders fully accountable. Those who bring guns into the commission of crimes should expect that we will seek every lawful measure available to protect the people of this Territory.”
Attorney General Rhea noted that the recent enactment of the 2026 Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety Act marks a major milestone in strengthening public safety while ensuring compliance with constitutional protections.
The legislation, developed through a collaborative effort among the Virgin Islands Department of Justice, the Office of the Governor, the Virgin Islands Police Department, members of the 36th Legislature, and sponsored by Senator Clifford Joseph, modernizes the Territory’s firearms laws by establishing clearer firearm licensing standards, suppressors, silencers, and large-capacity magazines, requiring firearm safety training for licensed rifle and shotgun owners, and strengthening safeguards against the illegal sale of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition.
“Passing this legislation was an important step forward,” Rhea said. “Now comes the equally important responsibility of enforcing these laws. Strong laws must be matched with strong prosecution. Criminals who violate our firearm laws must understand there will be serious consequences for their actions.”
Attorney General Rhea also commended Governor Albert Bryan Jr. for issuing an executive order temporarily assigning peace officers from executive branch agencies to assist the Virgin Islands Police Department during the recent surge in violent crime.
“We appreciate Governor Bryan’s decisive action to strengthen law enforcement resources during this critical time,” Rhea said. “Combating violent crime requires a united effort among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, government leaders, and our communities. The DOJ stands shoulder to shoulder with the Virgin Islands Police Department and every officer working to restore peace and safety throughout the Territory.”
Attorney General Rhea acknowledged the recent appeal by Virgin Islands Police Department leadership and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach urging residents to come forward with information about recent shootings.
“Our prosecutors can only bring cases built on evidence,” Rhea said. “We need the community’s partnership. If you know who is responsible for these violent crimes, I urge you to come forward. Your information could save lives and help bring justice to victims and their families.”
Attorney General Rhea emphasized that reducing gun violence will require a sustained commitment from every sector of the community but assured residents that the Department of Justice will continue pursuing every available legal avenue to remove violent offenders from the streets.
“The people of the Virgin Islands deserve to live without fear,” Rhea said. “The Department of Justice is committed to doing everything within its authority to help end this cycle of violence. We will aggressively prosecute those who use firearms to commit crimes, support our law enforcement partners, and work tirelessly to make our communities safer. Those who choose violence should know this Department will not back down.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2026
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov