Attorney General Miyares, local leaders share update on ‘Operation Ceasefire’

DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) — On April 30, Attorney General Jason Miyares held a press conference in Danville to share the latest details on “Operation Ceasefire.”

Police Chiefs Chris Wiles and Scott Booth, Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison, and other Ceasefire City leaders joined Miyares outside the Danville Police Department to share an update on the impacts of “Operation Ceasefire.”

In October 2022, Attorney General Miyares introduced “Operation Ceasefire” with a focus on reducing violent crime in the “highest crime” cities across Virginia. The initiative focuses on 13 cities across the state including Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville, and Martinsville.

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Miyares says between 2022 and 2023, homicides across the Commonwealth dropped by 17%.

“We’ve seen right here in the City of Danville a 25% decrease in homicides and a 28% decrease in robberies,” he added.

In Lynchburg, homicides dropped by 50%, but in Roanoke, homicides increased by over 50%.

However, Roanoke Police Chief Scott Booth says there has been a significant improvement.

“We are already seeing the needle move. We are already seeing community members come forward and provide us with information after a homicide after a shooting,” said Chief Booth. “The key component of this of having that impact is partners like the Attorney General’s Office.”

But, there is still work to be done.

“My message is you will see more of us, you will see us walking in neighborhoods regardless of where you live in the City of Roanoke and we are going to reduce crime in that community,” said Chief Scott Booth

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“Operation Ceasefire” approaches three elements:

• Gun and gang violence through prosecution and prevention

• Promote group violence intervention strategies

• Work with local communities to reduce and prevent violent gun and gang crimes

Miyares says the intervention angle includes connecting offenders with jobs when they are released, so they don’t resort back to crime.

“The reality is roughly 3 to 5% of felons are committing over 50% of the violent crime,” shared Miyares.

However, Miyares says he has been working with local and community leaders to ensure these resources are available.

Watch the full press conference here:

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