Pastor Calls for Urgent Action After Daughter’s Car Is Shot in Latest Wave of Gun Violence

During the Eighteenth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, today, August 22, Pastor Winston Salmon delivered a heartfelt plea for action as the Virgin Islands grapples with a surge in violent crime. Addressing the Assembly, Pastor Salmon, visibly shaken, urged lawmakers to confront the escalating violence, citing a recent shooting incident near his home.

“A bit shaky, but I just want to take one minute to ask the House at this time to look at the crime and violence around us,” Pastor Salmon said. “Just beside my house yesterday, a house was shot up, and my daughter—we could have been caught in that. I ask us to take a look into this crime and violence that’s going on in the country. It’s very, very serious, very, very serious.”

Pastor Salmon’s emotional appeal comes on the heels of two gunfire incidents that have unsettled the community. On 21 August, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) responded to reports of gunfire in the Free Bottom area shortly after 2 p.m. Although the scene was deserted when officers arrived, the discovery of spent shell casings triggered an active investigation. This marked the second shooting in as many days; in the early hours of 20 August, gunshots were reported in the Purcell Estate area. Officers responded shortly after 1 a.m., finding spent shell casings but no individuals at the scene. The area was cordoned off, and an investigation is ongoing.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool addressed the situation, emphasising the seriousness of the incident. “In light of this serious situation, the Police have mobilised the Crisis Intervention Team to provide essential support to the affected residents and the broader community. Furthermore, we have heightened security measures, including the deployment of armed patrols in the area, to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents,” she stated.

The RVIPF is urging anyone with information about these incidents to come forward. Individuals can report tips anonymously through the Crime Stoppers line at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, if overseas, at +1-284-800-8477. The RVIPF Intelligence Unit is also available at 368-9339. Police emphasise that no detail is too small, and all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.