USVI Flags Lowered For Slain Officer
United States Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has ordered flags across the territory to fly at half-staff in honor of slain police officer Eustace Charles. Charles, who served as the lead dignitary security officer for the Lieutenant Governor, was fatally shot outside his home in late July. The official territory-wide period of observance runs through August 27.
United States Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has issued an executive proclamation ordering flags across the neighboring territory to be flown at half-staff at Government House and all public buildings in tribute to slain police officer Eustace Charles. The directive took effect at sunrise on Sunday and will remain in place through sunset on Thursday, August 27.
Governor Bryan designated the multi-day period as an official Observance of the Life of Eustace Charles, recognizing his distinguished career, unwavering reliability, and dedicated service to the people of the territory. Officer Charles, 51, was ambushed and fatally shot just before 6:00 a.m. on July 26 while seated in his vehicle outside his William’s Delight residence on St.
In an alarming subsequent development, his home was destroyed last week in a suspicious fire that remains under active investigation by local authorities. Police previously named 28-year-old Ra’Kheel Velazquez as a person of interest in the fatal shooting; Velazquez was later taken into custody on an unrelated firearm charge.
Charles began his law enforcement career when he joined the Virgin Islands Police Department as a recruit in July 2018, graduating from the Police Academy in February 2019. He later transitioned to the Bryan-Roach administration in November 2022 as a security officer before advancing into dignitary protection.
In February 2024, he was promoted to Lead Dignitary Security Officer for Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, a position in which he earned wide praise for his vigilance and professionalism. Governor Bryan praised Charles for his quiet strength, reliability, and deep commitment to duty, emphasizing that his contributions extended far beyond a uniform or title.
The governor urged residents across the Virgin Islands to keep Charles' family, friends, and law enforcement colleagues in their thoughts and prayers as the territory grieves the profound loss. The tragic incident resonates across the wider Virgin Islands archipelago, where communities and public servants in both the British and United States territories maintain close cultural, family, and professional ties.
Primary source: Virgin Islands Daily News (Website)