Trinidad and Tobago Declares State of Emergency Over Escalating Gang Violence

The government has granted police and military expanded powers after a record-breaking murder toll driven by gang-related violence and high-powered firearms.

Trinidad and Tobago's murder toll for 2024 has reached 623, the highest in the country's recorded history, with gang violence accounting for a significant portion of the killings.
The state of emergency grants police and military the authority to conduct warrantless searches, detain suspects for 48 hours without charge, and suspend bail for those arrested.
Officials have linked the violence to the proliferation of high-powered firearms, many of which are illegally imported from the United States, and have warned of potential reprisal killings following recent gang conflicts.
Despite the emergency measures, no curfew has been imposed, and schools, businesses, and public events, including New Year's celebrations, are expected to proceed as planned.
The declaration comes as the country faces increasing pressure to address public safety concerns ahead of a general election scheduled by August 2025.