VIPD and Governor Bryan Warn Against New Year’s Eve Gunfire

Officials caution Virgin Islanders about the dangers of celebratory gunfire, emphasizing its potential for harm and disruption as police prepare for high-visibility patrols to deter the practice.

During Monday’s press briefing from Government House, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Deputy Chief of Police Uston Cornelius both warned the public against shooting into the air to welcome the New Year. “Remember, what goes up will come down, and again, it just might hurt you or somebody close to you,” said Mr. Cornelius, noting that celebratory gunfire “has become a thing where our people within this community…they don’t feel comfortable.”

The deputy chief says he hears stories each year about “when the hour comes, people have to lie down on the floor, they’re going in the closet, and all of that.” The VIPD, Mr. Cornelius said, was “decrying” the practice, noting that owners of licensed guns are among the culprits. “Please let we stop the discharging of these weapons in our community,” the VIPD official urged. “This is not our tradition.”