Prime Minister Warns Young People Against Engaging in Gun Battles with Police
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday warned young people that it is a bad decision to engage in gun battles with officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF).
Warning Against Armed Encounters
He was speaking with reporters at the launch of TT Agri Expo 2024 at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Rowley said he didn’t want to comment on that too much on the police shooting that left 6 dead, but the circumstances appeared that some bad choices were made.
He added, “I want to say to young people, don’t make the mistake of believing or letting anybody make you believe that you could shoot your way out of a situation with the police or the Defense Force. That is a bad decision.
“If you arm yourself or associate with people who arm themselves illegally and somehow believe that in an encounter with the police that you will prevail that is a mistake and it is a bad decision. Don’t do it. Don’t do that to your family. Don’t do that to your sisters. Don’t do that to this nation. Don’t make that decision.”
The Consequences of Armed Encounters
The Prime Minister added: “We have to protect the law-abiding. The police have been trained to shoot and they will shoot to kill if you threaten their lives. When you arm yourself with a weapon like a gun, it means that you have made a decision to use it. And it doesn’t make sense to think that the law enforcement officers will wait to see what you do and how you use it. So, you are putting yourself in harm’s way.”
A Plea to Young People
Rowley said, as Prime Minister, “I want to appeal to young people making (such) decisions, don’t make that decision it could only end badly for you, for your family and for all of us.”
Background of the Incident
On August 14 the Trinidad police shot and killed six people, including one woman, in Freeport.
The police said those killed were allegedly involved in two home robberies in the Central area.
They said the five men and one woman, shot at them and in accordance with the Use of Force Policy, they returned fire, killing all six at the scene.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has issued a stern warning to young people against engaging in gun battles with police officers. He emphasized that such decisions can only lead to tragic consequences for the individuals involved, their families, and the nation as a whole.
FAQs
Q: What did Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley warn young people against?
A: He warned them against engaging in gun battles with police officers.
Q: Why did the Prime Minister issue this warning?
A: He issued the warning to prevent young people from making bad decisions that can lead to tragic consequences.
Q: What were the circumstances surrounding the police shooting that left 6 people dead?
A: The police said the six people killed were allegedly involved in two home robberies in the Central area and shot at them, leading to the use of force policy being implemented.