Plaskett Mourns Child’s Gunshot Death

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after the death of a four-year-old boy on St. Croix, who was rushed to Juan F. Luis Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound Thursday evening and died despite emergency treatment:

V.I. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett gives an opening statement Tuesday on the 10th hearing of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. (Screenshot from video)
V.I. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett. (Screenshot from video)

“Today, our territory is grieving the loss of a baby—a four-year-old boy whose life was taken far too soon. No family should ever have to bury a child, and no community should have to carry this kind of pain. My heart is broken for this little boy and for everyone who loved him.

“To his parents: I am deeply sorry. There are no words that can reach the depth of what you are feeling. Please know that we as a community are holding you close, and that you do not carry this grief alone. To his family, and to everyone who knew and loved this child, his grandparents, his siblings, his neighbors, his community, please lean on one another in the days ahead. Grief like this is not meant to be carried in silence.

“I want to thank the first responders and medical staff at Juan F. Luis Hospital who fought to save this child’s life. We must continue to do everything in our power to keep our children safe.”