Tobago, Trinidad declare state of emergency due to widespread gang violence

The Caribbean Islands of Tobago and Trinidad implemented a state of emergency in response to emerging gang violence across the islands.

The state of emergency was declared Monday after multiple people were shot and some killed as a result of gang violence.

“There is no doubt in my mind that we are dealing with an epidemic,” National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said during a press conference, according to The Associated Press.

Five men reportedly were victims of retaliation shootings.

The state of emergency declaration gives law enforcement the power to conduct arrests with no warrant and detain suspects for 48 hours. 

Acting Attorney General Stuart Young said he is concerned about a lot of the gangs getting illegal weapons.

“The criminal gangs via the use of the high-powered assault weapons and other illegal firearms in areas of Trinidad and possibly Tobago are likely to immediately increase their brazen acts of violence in reprisal shootings on a scale so extensive that it threatens persons and will endanger public safety,” he said, according to the news outlet.