The V.I. community should refrain from celebratory gunfire ahead of the new year. Celebratory gunfire — shooting guns into the air to ‘celebrate’ holidays is not only dangerous but illegal, the V.I. Police Department announced Thursday.
“Individuals have recklessly engaged in unlawful acts of discharging firearms in our
community and not consider the lives and property of fellow Virgin Islanders. We will
continue to arrest those taking part in celebratory gunfire to ensure the safety of our
community.”, stated Chief of Police Steven Phillip for the St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island district.
Additional officers will be on patrol throughout the New Year’s holiday to aid in the
quick response and apprehension of individuals participating in celebratory gunfire, according to the press release.
Chief Sean Santos for St. Croix district said, “We’re asking that individuals refrain from
discharging firearms. Every responsible gun owner knows the responsibility of discharging
their firearm and that one stray bullet can end someone’s life. Let’s put a stop to illegal
discharging of shots and bring in the new year safely.”
VIPD reminds the public that celebratory gunfire is very dangerous and is never OK. Once those rounds go up, they must come down. VIPD requests the community’s help to be vigilant and if celebratory gunfire is seen or heard, please call 911, the press release stated.
