The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) – Last week, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 41, establishing a statewide gang and community violence prevention partnership and enforcement strategy to confront gang violence, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violence committed with firearms, throughout the Commonwealth. State and local leaders reacted to the continued commitment towards protecting the safety of Virginians and their communities.
ADMINISTRATION AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEADERS
“Executive Order 41 from Governor Youngkin bolsters our efforts to tackle gang violence through three goals: preventing gang violence, promoting intervention, and prosecuting repeat violent offenders,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. “Through our efforts with Ceasefire Virginia and by focusing on our strategic partnerships with law enforcement, community organizations, and local leaders, Virginia continues to lead the nation with targeted interventions to disrupt gang violence in our communities.”
“For far too long, families have been torn apart, and young men and women have lost their way due to the devastating grip of gangs. Enough is enough. The Governor’s Task Force for Gang Intelligence will be the tip of the spear in combating the illicit crime that threatens the safety and future of our communities. We must act decisively to end this cycle of violence and protect our Commonwealth from the dangers of gang recruitment and activity,” said Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
“Thanks to Governor Youngkin for taking the necessary steps to combat gang activity in Virginia and for all the diligent work he has done to keep Virginia families safe. As a former Sheriff of 23 years, I have seen firsthand the importance of addressing gang-related crime and the benefits of bolstering youth prevention programs. We must continue to support our brave law enforcement officers and invest in these vital programs,” said Senator Danny Diggs.
“Great move by Governor Glenn Youngkin .. I bet the Biden-Harris DOJ will try to get an injunction against it for “disenfranchising” the Venezuelan gangs from being able to rob people and take over apartment buildings here in Virginia….” said Senator Bill Stanley.
“I fully support the Governor’s Executive Order to combat gang violence across the Commonwealth— the government’s top responsibility is to keep its citizens safe,” said Senator Mark Peake.
MEMBERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMMUNITY LEADERS
“The historic appearance at VGIA and powerful Executive Order reinforces Governor Youngkin’s unprecedented support for Virginia’s Law Enforcement community. The continued prioritization of the investments needed to effectively combat gangs in Virginia and the resulting improvements from the combined initiatives of this administration cannot be disputed. Engaging at VGIA with the investigators who risk their lives daily to oppose all levels of dangerous organizations demonstrates a common sense approach to eradicating existing gangs, preventing further gang activity, and protecting potential victims in the community. Governor Youngkin stands unwavering in his commitment to the boots on the ground making our communities safer,” said Director of Juvenile Justice Amy Floriano.
“We deeply appreciate Governor Youngkin’s focus on public safety in addressing pervasive gang violence and criminal enterprise. This statewide focus and teamwork greatly enhance the efforts of law enforcement officers working to keep our communities safe every day,” said President of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association Sheriff Brad Nunnally.
“One of the best tools that Law Enforcement uses to combat criminal activity is good information. Governor Younkin’s Executive Order 41 provides an important pathway for Law Enforcement to be able to share information related to gang activity. The creation of a centralized repository for gang-related data, a gang intelligence task force, and bolstering anti-gang awareness and youth prevention strategies are crucial steps in fighting the gang problem. Working together to combat criminal gang activity will enable all of us to have safer communities,” said Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle.
“Operation Ceasefire and Operation Bold Blue Line have greatly assisted our communities with reducing crime. This executive order, working in conjunction with these other initiatives, will assist localities in identifying and responding to the scourge of gang and group violence that has contributed to gun violence throughout the Commonwealth,” said Chief of Police, Roanoke, Virginia, and President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Scott C. Booth.
