On December 30, 2024, Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency in response to escalating gang violence following an attempted assassination of a gang leader. The government aims to implement an anti-gang initiative as part of this emergency measure.
Defense forces will assume police duties, allowing them to conduct searches without warrants. According to Stuart Young, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, bail will be suspended, and individuals suspected of criminal activity can be detained for up to 48 hours without charges, extendable by an additional seven days with court approval.
This decision comes after an incident where armed assailants targeted a known gang leader outside a police station, resulting in the death of a crew member. Subsequently, five men were killed in what is suspected to be a retaliatory attack.
Trinidad and Tobago has experienced a record number of murders this year, prompting urgent governmental action.