LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Attorney General Jason Miyares first announced the “Operation Ceasefire Initiative” last year, to reduce violent crime throughout the Commonwealth, and now he is taking the initiative a step forward.
On April 25th, Miyares, stopped in Lynchburg to speak with federal, state, and local leaders on the impact of “Operation Ceasefire” statewide. Since last year, the task force has secured a $300,000 grant to go toward gang prevention in Lynchburg.
The initiative was designed to reduce gun violence through prosecution and community intervention with a specific target on serious repeat offenders in Virginia’s highest crime cities. Miyares shared that along with reducing violence, he wants young adults to have resourceful information.
“Getting individuals that can provide what law officers often times can’t. That’s life skills, it’s counseling, and it’s substance abuse. The idea is to break the cycle to make sure the young people have both hope, but also that they are given the right information,” said Miyares.
Miyares shared that he is hoping to hire more prosecutors and ceasefire coordinators. He is also looking to find ways to partner with community leaders. Additionally, over 70 active cases have been launched with the initiative.
Miyares says that he wants to assure that the voices of victims are heard.
