ST. CROIX — Senator Novelle Francis, Jr. said through a press release issued on Tuesday that he’s urging Virgin Islanders to practice heightened awareness of their surroundings in the wake of the tragic events that took place in Paris, France last week, where at least 129 civilians were killed in multiple terror attacks. Above, French nationals mourn victims of the attacks.
Mr. Francis, a former police commissioner, is the chair of the Senate’s Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Justice. He says the territory’s residents should not take safety for granted.
French authorities have been conducting raids as dragnet missions continue. According to the NY Times, a woman died in Paris this morning when she detonated an explosive vest and five people were arrested when the French police conducted an early-morning raid in the northern Paris suburb of St.-Denis, aimed at detaining the Belgian militant suspected of organizing the attacks.
“The events unfolding in Europe and across the world shows that evil can strike anywhere,” Mr. Francis said. “We should not take our safety for granted, especially when our geographic location and open borders make the territory and other Caribbean nations, particularly vulnerable to criminal elements.”
Last month, Francis met with senior Homeland Security officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to discuss ways that local and federal initiatives can align to combat criminal activity in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He appreciates the relationship that local law enforcement has with our federal partners, particularly when it comes to strengthening the safety and security of the Virgin Islands residents, the release further stated.
Mr. Francis encourages residents to be aware of what is happening in their community and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Terrorism-related concerns can be directed to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force at (340)777-3363, the release concluded.
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