Governor Bryan Condemns Violent Attack on Young Man, Calls for Accountability and Community Support
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 28, 2026
Governor Bryan Condemns Violent Attack on Young Man, Calls for Accountability and Community Support
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. expressed shock and outrage over a circulating video that appears to show two young men beating another young man. The Governor called for a thorough investigation, including whether the attack was motivated by the young man’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
“I was shocked and deeply disturbed by what I saw in that video,” Governor Bryan said. “No young person should ever experience that kind of brutality and humiliation. Violence against someone because of who they are, or who others believe them to be, is intolerable. There is no place for it in the Virgin Islands.”
Governor Bryan called on the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Virgin Islands Department of Justice to thoroughly investigate the incident and coordinate with federal authorities to determine whether hate-crime charges are warranted.
“My administration will support pursuing this matter to the fullest extent of the law,” Governor Bryan said. “We will work with our local and federal partners to ensure that every applicable avenue for accountability is examined and that those responsible are held accountable based on the evidence and with respect for due process.”
The Governor said protecting young people from hatred and discrimination has been a longstanding reason for his public support of the LGBTQ+ community, including his participation in Pride celebrations.
“Protecting young people from the kind of hatred we are confronting here is precisely why I marched in the Virgin Islands’ first Pride parade during my first campaign for governor, becoming the first gubernatorial candidate in the territory to do so,” Governor Bryan said. “It is why I continue to march as often as I can. Showing up matters. It raises awareness and tells our young people that they are seen, that they are valued and that their community stands with them. We must work toward a day when no young person, anywhere, faces violence because of who they are.”
Governor Bryan emphasized that this support must extend to young people’s emotional and mental well-being.
“Our young men and women need love, acceptance and support,” he said. “Bullying, rejection and violence can deepen isolation and contribute to depression, self-harm and suicide risk. We must take that pain seriously and make sure young people have trusted adults, access to counseling and a community willing to listen without judgment. To anyone who is struggling: your life matters, help is available, and you deserve support.”
The Governor offered a heartfelt message to the young man and his family.
“To this young man and his parents, I am deeply sorry for the pain, fear and indignity this attack has caused. You deserved protection, kindness and respect. Please know that your Governor stands with you, and there is a community here that supports you. You are valued. You belong. You deserve to be safe and to live freely as yourself.”
Governor Bryan urged the young man and his parents or guardians to come forward to law enforcement, report what happened and assist authorities in pursuing appropriate charges. He also encouraged witnesses and anyone with relevant information or recordings to provide that evidence directly to police.
“No family should have to face this alone,” the Governor said. “We must make it safe for victims to speak up, protect them from retaliation and ensure that reports of violence are taken seriously.”
The Governor called on parents, educators, faith leaders and community organizations to confront bullying and prejudice and provide meaningful support to young people.
“Every young person in the Virgin Islands deserves to grow up safe, respected and supported,” Governor Bryan said. “Our responsibility is to make that promise real through our words, our actions and the example we set every day.”
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