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Trinidad and Tobago Declares State of Emergency Amid 623 Homicides, Reprisal Shootings

Dec 30, 2024, 07:34 PM

Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency in response to a surge in gang-related violence and murders. The declaration follows a weekend marked by multiple deaths, including an attempt on a gang leader's life on Saturday, which led to reprisal shootings that killed five men on Sunday. The state of emergency, announced by President Christine Kangaloo, aims to address the heightened criminal activity endangering public safety. Under the emergency measures, police and defense forces will have increased powers, including the ability to conduct searches and detain suspects for up to 48 hours without a warrant. The government has recorded 623 homicides for the year, with gang-related activities accounting for 263 of these deaths. No curfew will be imposed, but the state of emergency will initially last for 15 days, with the possibility of extension up to three months.