“Intelligence has revealed that this was an orchestrated plan that was led by several gang members, whereby the intention was to use the shooting of the three young men a few days ago, as a front to cover the planned plot to shut down the country,”

This was the statement made by Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith in response to Tuesday’s intense protest across Port of Spain.

In response to the police killing of Beetham resident Ornella Greaves, who died after being struck by a bullet on Tuesday, Griffith said “Investigations are underway to determine the cause of her death.”

Griffith has, in the past, defended his officers against public alarm over the stunning increase in police involved shootings.

He however said on Tuesday the case which prompted the protests on Monday and Tuesday, were being “thoroughly investigated” by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and independent body- the Police Complaints Authority.

He was referring to the case of three Morvant residents-Israel Clinton, Joel Jacob and Noel Diamond- who were killed by Inter Agency Task Force and Guard and Emergency Branch officers at Juman Avenue on Saturday.

Griffith believes what happened on Tuesday was fueled by criminal elements- a narrative also touted by National Security Minister, Stuart Young.

“It is unacceptable that some, in their desire for justice, can expect any law-abiding citizen to justify this demand by condoning others to break the law, as was done today,” Griffith said.

The Top Cop said TTPS Red Alert would remain for the next 48 hours, with officers “positioned at strategic locations, both overt and covert, to ensure that those few criminal elements cannot destabilize the country as was planned.”

Seventy-two people were arrested on Tuesday- and the TTPS is seeking out more.

“CCTV footage at every site where fires were started and roads blocked, show clearly the faces of the perpetrators, some known to the police, and would be used to find them and have them arrested,” Griffith said.