AGP Executive Report

Gun Control in Court: DOJ asked a federal judge to block enforcement of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ assault weapons and large-capacity magazine ban, arguing it’s vulnerable after the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s similar law. Public Safety After St. Croix Ambush: Authorities continue a multi-agency dragnet after VIPD Executive Security Unit Officer Eustace Charles was killed in an early-morning attack in Williams Delight; court filings describe a rapid tracking effort and multiple weapons seized. Federal Robocall Crackdown Push: South Dakota AG Jackley joined a coalition urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls—an effort also backed by other state AGs. Territory Citizenship Fight: Guam and CNMI leaders urged Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his bill limiting birthright citizenship in territories, saying it risks creating stateless children and was not properly coordinated with local governments. Virtual Island Summit: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept. 15–17, 2026 with a new three-day format focused on adapting to change, transforming systems, and mobilizing action. Local Events & Travel: St. Croix will host the ISCA Sunfish Worlds in November, and Club Med broke ground on a new St. Croix resort opening in 2027.

Public Safety: St. Croix is reeling after the early-morning ambush death of VIPD Executive Security Unit Officer Eustace Charles in Williams Delight; investigators say surveillance tracking, multiple arrests, and seized firearms followed the attack, with formal charges still pending. Federal Courts & Rights: Gun Owners of America and its foundation filed a second lawsuit against the U.S. Virgin Islands over concealed-carry rules for nonresidents, arguing the Second Amendment “doesn’t end at the shoreline.” Citizenship Fight: A new push to end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories is drawing backlash, with Guam and CNMI leaders urging Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his bill and warning it could create statelessness and violates territorial commitments. Housing & Disaster Aid: HUD marked major foster-youth policy progress nationwide, while separate reporting highlights ongoing federal scrutiny of USVI disaster and housing funding tied to alleged mismanagement. Local Development & Tourism: Club Med broke ground on Club Med St. Croix, signaling a 2027 opening and a major new tourism investment for the territory. Research & Health Workforce: The VI Department of Health and partners wrapped up a CREW research fellowship cohort, with students presenting projects on healthcare access and cardiovascular health. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service linking St. Thomas with St. Maarten and adding Dominica–Trinidad routes. Aviation Disruption: One American Airlines traveler reported being stranded in St. Croix after a mechanical issue, underscoring how limited island flight options can turn delays into crises.

Police & Public Safety: St. Croix is mourning VIPD Executive Security Unit Officer Eustace Charles, killed in an early-morning ambush in Williams Delight; court filings describe a fast, multi-agency dragnet after ShotSpotter alerts and surveillance tracking, with suspects held on weapons counts as federal and territorial forensics continue. Federal-Local Tensions: The Justice Department is pressing the District Court of the Virgin Islands to block enforcement of the territory’s semiautomatic magazine ban, calling it “glaringly unconstitutional,” while Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation pursue a separate lawsuit seeking concealed-carry licensing for nonresidents. Citizenship Fight: Across the territories, backlash is growing against Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” with Guam and others saying the bill would create a new class of Americans and that Congress can’t rewrite citizenship rights unilaterally. Local Governance & Community Health: The V.I. Department of Health and partners wrapped up the CREW workforce research fellowship, with 10 students presenting projects on healthcare access and prevention issues. Tourism & Economy: Club Med broke ground on Club Med St. Croix, a 150-key resort slated to welcome guests in 2027. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between St. Thomas and St. Maarten and a Dominica–Trinidad route starting Oct. 5, 2026.

Public Safety Tragedy: St. Croix Police Officer Eustace Charles, 51, died after an early-morning ambush in the Williams Delight community; authorities say his vehicle was blocked, shots were fired, and investigators used the territory’s surveillance-camera system to identify vehicles tied to the incident, with several people taken into custody as persons of interest and firearms recovered, though no formal charges were announced. Second Amendment in Court: Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a second lawsuit against the U.S. Virgin Islands and its police commissioner, seeking to let nonresidents apply for concealed-carry licenses; the case centers on Florida resident Sean Dale Henry, who claims he can’t get the police department to respond. Federal Gun Ban Fight: The DOJ asked a federal judge to block enforcement of the VI’s magazine ban, calling it “glaringly unconstitutional” and pointing to a Third Circuit ruling striking down similar limits in New Jersey. Citizenship Politics: Opposition is mounting to Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” with Guam and CNMI leaders saying the bill wasn’t properly coordinated with territories and warning it could create stateless outcomes. Local Community & Events: St. Croix is set to host the ISCA Sunfish Worlds (Nov. 4–14, 2026), and 10 VI students completed the CREW fellowship, presenting public health research at Government House. Travel/Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago starting Oct. 5, 2026, with same-plane connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas.

Second Amendment in the courts: Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a new federal lawsuit against the U.S. Virgin Islands and Police Commissioner, pushing to let nonresidents apply for concealed-carry licenses—while the DOJ also moved to block enforcement of the territory’s semiauto magazine ban as “glaringly unconstitutional.” Citizenship fight: Rep. Morgan Griffith’s bill to end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories is drawing louder pushback, with Guam and CNMI leaders saying the measure wasn’t properly coordinated and could create statelessness concerns; the bill would affect births after Jan. 1, 2027, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local governance & economy: Delegate Stacey Plaskett criticized the BVI’s steep charter yacht fee increases, citing major job losses and floating the idea of retaliation via tariffs on BVI shoppers heading to St. Thomas. Aviation & connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new Caribbean routes, including nonstop St. Thomas–St. Maarten service, and separate reports highlighted ongoing travel disruptions for a St. Croix-bound American Airlines passenger. Community & youth: The DOH/UM Miller/University of the Virgin Islands CREW program graduated 10 students with public health research presentations. Sports & events: St. Croix was set to host the ISCA Sunfish Worlds in November, and the U.S. Virgin Islands appeared in the FISU America Games basketball matchups. Powerball: The jackpot climbed again after no Saturday winner, reaching $633M for the next drawing.

Gun Rights in Court: Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a second federal lawsuit against the U.S. Virgin Islands and Police Commissioner, arguing nonresidents should be able to apply for concealed-carry licenses. DOJ vs. VI Firearms Law: The DOJ also moved for a preliminary injunction against the VI’s semiautomatic “mag ban,” calling it “glaringly unconstitutional” after a Third Circuit ruling struck down similar New Jersey limits. Birthright Citizenship Fight: Opposition is growing to Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” with Guam and CNMI leaders saying the bill wasn’t properly coordinated with territories and could create statelessness concerns. Local Governance & Economy: Delegate Stacey Plaskett criticized the BVI’s steep charter yacht fee increases and floated possible retaliation, including tariffs on BVI shoppers traveling to St. Thomas. Aviation & Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new Dominica–Trinidad nonstop service starting Oct. 5, 2026, plus same-plane connections via St. Thomas and San Juan. Community & Health: Ten VI undergraduate students completed the CREW research fellowship and presented five public health projects at Government House. Sports & Spotlight: St. Croix will host the ISCA Sunfish Worlds in November 2026, a major international sailing event. Travel Disruptions: One American Airlines passenger reported being stranded in St. Croix for two days due to a mechanical issue, sparking questions about rebooking support.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for the Territories Act” is drawing fresh backlash after reports he did not consult Guam or other territories before introducing the bill, which would limit automatic citizenship for babies born after Jan. 1, 2027 to those with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent. Second Amendment Court Battles: Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a second lawsuit against the U.S. Virgin Islands seeking to let nonresidents apply for concealed-carry licenses, while the DOJ also moved to block enforcement of the territory’s semiautomatic firearms magazine ban as “glaringly unconstitutional.” Federal Housing/Maritime Fallout: Delegate Stacey Plaskett criticized the steep charter yacht fee increases affecting the USVI marine industry and floated possible retaliation, as the broader “maritime fees” dispute continues. Regional Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop Dominica–Trinidad flights starting Oct. 5, 2026, and also plans St. Thomas–St. Maarten service—aimed at boosting tourism and business links across the Eastern Caribbean. Local Health Workforce: Ten VI undergraduate students completed the CREW fellowship and presented public health research at Government House on St. Thomas.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for the Territories Act” would limit automatic citizenship in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands for births after Jan. 1, 2027, and he admitted he did not consult territorial leaders before introducing the bill—prompting fresh backlash from Guam Democrats and others. Second Amendment in Court: Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a second lawsuit challenging USVI concealed-carry rules for nonresidents, while the DOJ also moved to block the territory’s semiautomatic firearms magazine ban as “glaringly unconstitutional.” USVI Federal Policy Pressure: Delegate Stacey Plaskett criticized steep BVI charter yacht fee hikes and floated possible retaliation, saying the changes hurt the USVI marine industry and jobs. Aviation & Connectivity: Southwest announced new service plans including a 2027 Las Vegas–Honolulu “reverse redeye,” while Contour Airlines set new Caribbean routes—Dominica to Trinidad starting Oct. 5, 2026, plus nonstop St. Thomas–St. Maarten. Local Health & Youth: Ten USVI undergrads completed the CREW fellowship and presented public health research at Government House.

Gun Rights in Court: DOJ asked a federal judge to block the U.S. Virgin Islands from enforcing its modern semiautomatic firearms magazine ban, calling it “glaringly unconstitutional,” and pointing to a recent Third Circuit ruling striking similar limits in New Jersey. Second Amendment Challenge: Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a second lawsuit seeking to let nonresidents apply for and receive concealed-carry licenses in the territory, arguing Americans don’t lose rights just because they travel to a U.S. territory. Birthright Citizenship Fight: Rep. Morgan Griffith admitted he did not consult Guam or other territories before introducing his bill to end automatic citizenship for children born there after Jan. 1, 2027—an approach now drawing mounting opposition across the islands. Local Health & Research: Ten VI undergraduate students completed the CREW fellowship and presented five public health research projects at Government House, supported by the VI Department of Health, University of Miami, and UVI. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service—Dominica to Trinidad and Tobago starting Oct. 5, 2026—and also plans St. Thomas–St. Maarten nonstop flights, aiming to boost regional travel options. Travel Disruption Claim: An American Airlines passenger alleged a mechanical issue left her “stranded” in St. Croix for two days, though there’s no sign of a broader public disruption. Youth & Sports: Ten Virgin Islands students and athletes were in the news this week—from CREW research presentations to VI participation in the FISU America Games and youth sports events.

FISU America Games: Indiana men’s basketball rolled past the U.S. Virgin Islands 120-63 in Lima, taking control after a 10-point first quarter lead and finishing Group B first. Birthright citizenship fight: Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act, aiming to limit automatic citizenship in Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to children of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Gun rights in court: The DOJ moved to block the Virgin Islands’ semiauto magazine ban as “glaringly unconstitutional,” while Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed a separate lawsuit challenging limits on nonresident concealed-carry licensing. Local politics ripple effects: Delegate Stacey Plaskett criticized the BVI’s steep charter yacht fee increases and floated possible retaliation via tariffs on BVI shoppers traveling to St. Thomas. Regional air connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop routes—St. Thomas to St. Maarten and Dominica to Trinidad—starting Oct. 5, plus one-stop connections via San Juan. Sports & youth: The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to compete in the inaugural 2026 Caribbean World Series youth baseball tournament in Cataño, and the territory is also among teams in the Bahamas’ U15 Girls Goombay Cup.

Federal Housing Crackdown: HUD suspended procurements and froze major disaster-recovery funding tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing “corruption, mismanagement, and crime” and alleging mismanagement of nearly $1.9B in CDBG-DR money after Hurricanes Irma and Maria; Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. called it a shock and a possible political stunt while local advocates push back. Maritime Fees Fallout: Delegate Stacey Plaskett said the VI’s economy is getting hit by a steep jump in maritime charter fees, arguing the federal government’s role wasn’t what the territory wanted and that the increase should have been phased in. Immigration Enforcement Expansion: DHS is seeking to expand immigration detention capacity in up to 14 locations, including St. Thomas, as part of a broader enforcement push. Caribbean Border Interdictions: CBP and Border Patrol, with local partners, arrested 37 migrants (and one U.S. citizen) in two separate maritime smuggling operations off Puerto Rico, including a route linked to St. Thomas. Gun Rights Lawsuit: Gun Owners of America sued the USVI over firearm restrictions for nonresidents, challenging the territory’s ban on carrying without a local residence/place of business. Regional Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop routes—St. Thomas to St. Maarten and Dominica to Trinidad—starting Oct. 5, plus one-stop connections via Trinidad and San Juan. Oversight Hearings: Former Epstein banker Jes Staley is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee as lawmakers continue probing Epstein-related federal handling. Small Business Funding: SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center modernization competition that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands as an eligible territory. Sports & Youth: The inaugural U15 Girls Goombay Cup kicks off in the Bahamas with USVI among the teams.

Federal Housing Crackdown: HUD suspended future funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing “widespread financial mismanagement, inadequate fraud controls, false certifications and improper payments,” and freezing access to the remaining share of nearly $1.9B in hurricane recovery money—an action Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. called a shock and “overreach,” while local political figures are already treating it as a major election flashpoint. Gun Rights Lawsuit: Gun Owners of America and the Gun Owners Foundation sued the USVI over firearm restrictions that bar nonresidents from carrying, arguing the territory effectively leaves visitors “defenseless” and conflicts with Second Amendment protections. Citizenship Fight in Congress: The “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act” (H.R. 9724) is drawing mounting opposition from Guam and CNMI leaders, and USVI officials are watching closely as the bill targets automatic citizenship for children born in U.S. territories starting in 2027. Regional Travel Boost: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between St. Thomas and St. Maarten starting Oct. 5, a twice-weekly air bridge that could reshape multi-island itineraries and tourism access. Small Business Support: The SBA launched a $6M competition for Women’s Business Center modernization, with the USVI listed among eligible territories where existing funding hasn’t kept pace. Sports/Community Spotlight: KJ Rogers was named captain of the USVI men’s basketball team for the FISU America Games in Lima, Peru.

Federal Funding Freeze: HUD suspended disaster recovery money for the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing “widespread financial mismanagement, inadequate fraud controls, false certifications and improper payments,” and saying the territory has been deprived of about $1.3 billion intended for hurricane recovery. Local Politics: The move is already fueling a political fight in Government House and is being treated as a major campaign flashpoint. Citizenship Fight: A new push to end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories is drawing mounting opposition tied to H.R. 9724; Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s administration says it’s working to get the bill withdrawn, while CNMI leaders warn it could violate the Covenant and create legal uncertainty. Enforcement Update: CBP and Border Patrol arrested 37 people—including 1 U.S. citizen—off Puerto Rico after two separate smuggling attempts, with one leg linked to St. Thomas. Gun Rights Court Ruling: A Third Circuit decision striking down New Jersey’s assault weapons ban is expected to ripple to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where a similar ban was passed in June. Business Support: SBA announced a $6 million Women’s Business Center modernization competition that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sports Spotlight: KJ Rogers was named captain for the USVI men’s basketball team at the FISU America Games in Lima.

Federal Housing Crackdown: HUD suspended funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing “widespread financial mismanagement, inadequate fraud controls, false certifications and improper payments,” and alleging the territory has been deprived of about $1.3 billion meant for hurricane recovery. Gun Rights Fight: Gun Owners of America sued the USVI over firearm restrictions aimed at nonresidents, arguing the territory effectively blocks Americans from carrying even if licensed elsewhere. Citizenship Battle: A new bill, H.R. 9724, would end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in U.S. territories starting Jan. 1, 2027, drawing sharp opposition from territorial leaders including Del. James Moylan and CNMI officials. Local Politics Meets National Pressure: The HUD freeze is already being framed as a major political issue in VI campaigns, with critics pointing to slow recovery and officials saying they weren’t properly notified. Business Support: SBA announced a $6 million competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, including eligibility for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tourism/Development: Club Med broke ground on a St. Croix resort slated to open in 2027, marking the brand’s return to the U.S. territory market.

Federal Housing Crackdown: HUD suspended disaster funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, saying a probe found “widespread financial mismanagement,” weak fraud controls, false certifications, and improper payments—claims tied to roughly $1.3 billion in hurricane recovery assistance that residents were deprived of. Local Politics: The freeze is already spilling into the territory’s political fight, with officials and campaign voices framing it as a test of government oversight and accountability. Citizenship Fight in Congress: A new bill, the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” would end automatic citizenship for children born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the CNMI for births on/after Jan. 1, 2027—prompting strong opposition from territorial leaders. Public Safety & Services: VIPD staffing is reported at about half capacity, with lawmakers pressing on whether enforcement can keep up amid high crime. Health & Environment: DPNR flagged one St. Thomas beach as unsafe, while St. Croix beach results were left unclear due to a lab equipment failure. Development Watch: Club Med broke ground on a St. Croix resort slated to open in 2027.

Federal Housing Crackdown: The U.S. suspended funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority after a HUD probe found widespread financial mismanagement, weak fraud controls, false certifications, and improper payments—alleging the territory has been deprived of about $1.3 billion in disaster recovery help intended by Congress. Citizenship Fight in Congress: A new House bill, the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” would end automatic citizenship for babies born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands on or after Jan. 1, 2027, drawing sharp pushback from territorial advocates who call it unconstitutional. Public Safety Pressure: A Senate hearing heard that the VIPD is operating at about half staffing needs, with 25 homicides recorded for 2026 and only one arrest—raising concerns about whether current enforcement can meet community expectations. Local Governance & Accountability: HUD’s suspension and the ongoing investigation put VIHFA’s disaster-recovery spending and oversight back in the spotlight, with officials saying the agency will not provide more funds while it continues reviewing the case. Territory Watch: DPNR’s weekly beach report flagged one St. Thomas shoreline as unsafe, while St. Croix results were left unusable due to a lab equipment failure. Economy & Development: Club Med broke ground on a St. Croix all-inclusive resort, targeting a 2027 opening and promising about 200 jobs, with most hires expected to be local.