And following this latest murder, the main question is: will there be a state of emergency? We can confirm that there's none yet, but it's a high possibility in the immediate short term. Here's what Rosado told us.
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"I want to start off by saying that with the death of Brandon Baptist, the security threat was high. And with the shooting of Rojas, it has now escalated to a critical level. So presently we are discussing with the National Security Council to see if we will implement a state of emergency."
"But I do believe at the critical state that it is right now, there is a need for it."
Reporter
"And I understand that you will be looking to have this state of emergency if implemented go longer than three months?"
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"I am labbing for, I believe that one month will not suffice, two months will not suffice and we must start off at six months at the very least. But at any case there must be some drastic measures to be taken."
"But before I continue with that, I want to assure the public that we are using all available resources. We are deploying all available resources to ensure that we restore peace, safety and normalcy to the street."
"Those recent incidents that recently happened, it's totally unacceptable and we are doing everything that is possible to bring those individuals to justice."
Reporter
"Ahead of the state of emergency though, we have received reports that about 60 persons have been detained in those problematic areas?"
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"Well, you have to appreciate that with the different gangs, it's a network. And with a network, it requires an extensive investigation and it requires an extensive interview of all the players, hence the reason they were detained for the interview with the recent incidents that recently happened."
Reporter
"How soon do you think it will take or how long will it take to implement the SOE? Because we've heard you say on Monday and then there have been at least two other murders or probably three."
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"Presently the National Security Council, they are meeting to discuss what measures will be taken. But we should have further decision by the end of the day."
Reporter
"Is it worrying for you that you are, this is six days into May, we've already had these three murders and you're starting off your tenure as commissioner with the state of emergency potentially?"
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"I am not perturbed or I'm not disturbed, I'm not overwhelmed by what's happening. We will do what we need to do."
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