Reports from the Trinidad and Tobago government or news agencies

Trinidad and Tobago Declares State of Emergency Amid 623 Homicides and Gang Violence

Dec 30, 2024, 11:21 PM

Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency following a surge in gang-related violence and murders, including reprisal shootings. The government announced the measure after a weekend of deadly incidents, including the attempted assassination of a gang leader and subsequent retaliatory killings. The state of emergency, declared by President Christine Kangaloo on the advice of Prime Minister Keith Rowley, empowers police and defense forces to conduct warrantless searches and arrests, detain suspects for up to 48 hours without charge, and suspend bail. The emergency will initially last 15 days but can be extended to up to 3 months. The decision comes as the country faces a record-high murder rate of 623 homicides in 2024, with gang-related activities accounting for 263 of these. December alone saw 61 murders. Authorities aim to address the proliferation of illegal high-powered firearms, such as AK-47 and AR-15 rifles, which have fueled the violence. No curfew has been imposed, and the government has stated that the state of emergency will not restrict public movement or economic activities.