FREDERIKSTED — The Virgin Islands Police Department said it wanted to remind the community of the dangers of celebratory gunfire for New Year’s Eve.
It is illegal, dangerous and the consequences and can be significant and serious, according to police. The discharge of a firearm into the air in celebration could cause serious harm.
The intention may be a celebratory shot toward the sky, but the consequences can be disastrous for a neighbor or someone blocks away, because as the saying goes, “What goes up must come down.”
A projectile shot into the air can come down and hit someone unintentionally.
The VIPD is committed to zero tolerance of illegal gun use.
“Our mission is to protect the quality of life for all residents throughout the community by creating an environment of enhanced safety and security, Police Commissioner Trevor A. Velinor said.
To that end, it will be deploying officers in specific areas of the territory that have the highest amount of illegal gun activity in recent years, Velinor said.
If you are thinking about discharging your firearm to celebrate the coming of the new year, we urge you not to,” he said. “The dangers and consequences are too great. Let us continue to have a safe festive season.”
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