Virginia celebrates successful two-year anniversary of Operation Bold Blue Line and Ceasefire Virginia partnership

Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in an event celebrating the two-year anniversary of Operation Bold Blue Line and Ceasefire Virginia Partnership in Roanoke on Oct. 17. Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin today celebrated the successes of Operation Bold Blue Line (OBBL) and Attorney General Jason Miyares‘ Ceasefire Virginia over the last two years. Additionally, the governor announced the latest results from the partnerships between Virginia State Police (VSP) and local law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth that have been strengthened through Operation Bold Blue Line.

So far this year, due to innovative law enforcement partnerships like Operation Bold Blue Line the state has seen a 34% decrease in murders and a 12% decrease in violent crimes in OBBL cities. There has been a double digit decrease in every violent crime category in OBBL cities overall. Additionally, violent crime across the Commonwealth has gone down by 11%.

“In coordination with the Attorney General’s Ceasefire Virginia Initiative, we launched Operation Bold Blue Line two years ago to reduce violent crime and enhance law enforcement partnerships across Virginia. Virginia State Police, local law enforcement and our federal partners are improving safety in our communities, interdicting illegal drug and gang activity, reinforcing community engagement and enforcing tougher penalties for violent criminals,” said Governor Youngkin. 

“Today, we celebrate the success of these innovative law enforcement partnerships that execute on an all-of-the-above approach that have brought forth safer communities and reduced violence and criminal activity in cities across the Commonwealth.”

“Ceasefire Virginia’s targeted actions to dismantle networks of violent crime is working,” said Attorney General Miyares. “By focusing on the small percentage of individuals committing a disproportionate share of serious violence, our message is clear: if you endanger Virginians’ lives and terrorize our neighborhoods with violence, the Commonwealth of Virginia will ensure you face the full force of justice. There is no escaping the consequences.”

“I want to thank Governor Youngkin and the Attorney General for their continued support and partnership in Operation Bold Blue Line and Operation Ceasefire,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terry Cole. “Throughout my career in law enforcement, I have never seen this level of coordination and cooperation across all levels of government and the success metrics speak for themselves. As we continue our efforts to reduce the amount of illicit fentanyl flowing into Virginia, I am grateful for all the efforts of our law enforcement partners to make Virginia safer.”