Government of 
The Virgin Islands of the United States 
 
VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT 
OFFICE OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER 
 
                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Criminal Justice Complex 
Charlotte Amalie 
St. Thomas, VI 00802 
                          (340) 774-2211 
 
   Police Commissioner’s Office   
9059 Estate Castle     
Coakley Suite 2-9 
 St. Croix, VI  00820 
(340) 778-2211 
 
Leander Jurgen Command 
Cruz Bay 
St. John, VI 00830 
(340) 693-8880 
 
 
Mario M. Brooks 
   Police Commissioner  
 
 
                June 20, 2025 
 
 
 
The Honorable Senator Avery Lewis 
  Chairman, Committee on Governmental Operations, 
  Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection 
  36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
  Capitol Building, P.O. Box 1690 
  St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 
 
Dear Senator Lewis, 
 
 I write to extend my sincerest apologies for being unable to personally attend today’s hearing on the important  
legislation that seeks to amend Title 1, Chapter 11 of the Virgin Islands Code by adding Section 200m, officially 
declaring the week beginning the Monday before the first Friday in June as Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness 
Week. 
 
Though my current responsibilities prevent me from appearing in person today, please know that the Virgin Islands 
Police Department stands in full and unwavering support of this vital amendment, introduced by Senator Angel L. 
Bolques, Jr. This act is not only timely, it is necessary. 
 
Gun violence continues to cast a long and devastating shadow over families and communities throughout the Territory. 
According to the National Gun Violence Archive, as of mid-June 2025, the United States has experienced over 8,400 
gun-related deaths and more than 15,000 injuries. While the national conversation continues, we in the Virgin Islands 
are reminded far too often that our own communities are not immune to this crisis. In recent years, we have endured 
tragic losses to young lives being taken far too soon, families broken, and neighborhoods shaken. To date the Virgin 
Islands have experienced 18 gun-related homicides and we press forward diligently in our efforts to deter these events 
and solve these crimes. 
 
The designation of Gun Violence Awareness Week will provide our Territory with a focused opportunity to honor those 
we have lost, stand with survivors, engage in meaningful dialogue, and deepen our collective resolve to prevent further 
bloodshed. It is also a critical platform to highlight ongoing prevention efforts, strengthen partnerships, and promote 
responsible firearm ownership and legislation. 
 
Again, I regret that the leadership team or I could not be present for this discussion, but I assure you that the Virgin 
Islands Police Department is committed to being an active partner in any and all efforts to reduce gun violence across the 
Territory. 
 
Thank you for your continued leadership on this matter and for your steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of 
all Virgin Islanders. 
 
With highest regard, 
 
 
 
 
__________________________ 
Mario M. Brooks 
Police Commissioner