Senate President Milton E. Potter today expressed his profound sorrow following the tragic shooting death of Virgin Islands Police Department Officer Eustace Charles, a dedicated member of the Executive Security Unit who served with distinction in the security detail of Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq.
“It is with a heavy heart that I join the people of the Virgin Islands in mourning the tragic loss of Officer Eustace Charles,” said Senate President Potter. “Officer Charles dedicated his life to protecting others and serving our community with professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment. His senseless death is a painful reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face each day in the line of duty.”
Senate President Potter extended his deepest condolences to Officer Charles’ family, friends, fellow officers, and the entire Executive Security Unit, recognizing the tremendous loss they now bear.
“Our hearts are with his loved ones, his colleagues within the Virgin Islands Police Department, and the Office of the Governor and Office of the Lieutenant Governor, where Officer Charles faithfully carried out his responsibilities with honor. We pray that they find strength, comfort, and peace during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Senate President also acknowledged the decision by the Roach-Francis campaign to postpone its scheduled St. Croix campaign events out of respect for Officer Charles and to allow law enforcement to focus its full attention on the ongoing investigation.
“This is a moment for unity, reflection, and respect. I commend the decision to place our community’s grief and the integrity of this investigation above politics. It is the appropriate response during such a heartbreaking time.”
Senate President Potter urged anyone with information related to the shooting to cooperate fully with investigators as the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation continue their joint investigation.
“Those responsible for this horrific act must be held fully accountable. Violence against those who have sworn to protect our communities is an attack on all of us. I have complete confidence that law enforcement will pursue every available lead until justice is served.”
“As a community, we must continue working together to reject violence, support those who protect us, and build a safer Virgin Islands for future generations. May Officer Eustace Charles’ legacy of service never be forgotten, and may he rest in eternal peace.”
Senator Ray PuPa Fonseca joins the Virgin Islands community in mourning the tragic death of Virgin Islands Police Officer Eustace Charles, who served with the Executive Security Unit and was assigned to the security detail of Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Charles’ family, friends, fellow officers, Lieutenant Governor Roach, and the entire Virgin Islands Police Department,” Senator Fonseca said. “His death is a painful loss for our Territory and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.”
Senator Fonseca also called for unity and cooperation as law enforcement continues its investigation.
“We cannot allow violence to become accepted in our community. Anyone with information that may assist investigators should come forward so that justice can be served.”
“May God comfort Officer Charles’ loved ones, strengthen his colleagues, and grant him eternal peace.”
Senator-at-Large Angel L. Bolques Jr. joins the people of the Virgin Islands in
mourning the tragic loss of Virgin Islands Police Department Officer Eustace Charles and extends his deepest condolences to Officer Charles’ family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and the entire Virgin Islands Police Department.
I am truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Officer Eustace Charles. He was a humble, kind-hearted, and genuine man, and I will always remember the respect, warmth, and quiet kindness he showed to me and those around him. It is difficult to find the right words when someone is taken from us so suddenly and in such a heartbreaking way. Officer Charles was more than the uniform he wore. He was a beloved family member, friend, colleague, and valued member of our Virgin Islands. His life mattered, his service mattered, and the impact he made on those who knew him will never be forgotten.
My heart goes out especially to his family and loved ones. No words can take away the pain they are experiencing, but I pray they find strength in the love surrounding them, comfort in the memories they shared, and peace in knowing that an entire community is mourning alongside them. I also extend my deepest sympathy to the men and women of the Virgin Islands Police Department and to everyone who had the privilege of serving beside Officer Charles. Losing one of your own is a sorrow that reaches far beyond the badge.
Our Virgin Islands has endured far too much loss to gun violence. Behind every tragedy is a family whose life is forever changed. We cannot become numb to these heartbreaking losses, nor can we allow them to become our normal.
I pray for justice, for healing, and, above all, for Officer Charles family to be comforted through the difficult days ahead. May he rest in eternal peace. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
