VIRGIN ISLAND vs GUNS

[OLDNAVYMCPO]

According to the " Daily Caller", Gov. Kenneth Mapp of the U.S. Virgin Islands, signed an emergency order allowing the seizure of private guns, ammo, explosives and property that the National Guard may need to respond to Hurricane Irma. The order allows the Adj Gen of the Virgin Islands to seize property necessary to protect the islands, subject to approval by the island's Justice Department.

They tried that in New Orleans during Kitrina, without justification. Texas, it aint gonna happen, no way. Can you imagine.

 

[italiansport]

Really?? And just why wouldn't the V. I. Natl. Guard already have enough guns to "respond' to Hurricane Erma already??
Jim

 

[Tom Beavert]

Are they going to shoot the hurricane?
This is not good.
TB

 

[Jessie]

What are they planning on doing? Setting a defensive line and shooting at it as it approaches?
Unless martial law is declared, and I don't much agree with it then, the govt. has no legal business seizing guns or anything from a citizen.
Sounds like " Don't let any crisis go to waste" mentality.

 

[wingriderz]

Lock and load

 

[Arik]

What does this have to do with the continental US. If this was going to happen in TX it would have happened already

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[NYlakesider]

I have been to the VIs a few times and never saw too much differences between them and mainland.

I thought that area was more or less governed by US laws and SCOTUS decisions. If thats the case the rulings after the NOLA problems are not being adhered to!

 

[oneounceload]

Certain parts of the USVI remind me of certain urban areas that are populated with "misguided youths". It's his polite way to confiscate guns to keep looting and shooting to a minimum. I feel sorry for those folks who live on their small sailboats - nowhere to run.

 

[Muss Muggins]

They're not exactly bound the U.S. Constitution. They don't even have a constitution of their own . . .

 

[Bat Guano]

Sounds like something a 25 year old staffer would insert into a document.

We need to stop granting political power to our inferiors.

 

[Chuck24]

I anticipate a rash of non storm related boating accidents.

 

[oneounceload]

Every gun there is registered; and there aren't too many of them to begin with.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Certain parts of the USVI remind me of certain urban areas that are populated with "misguided youths". It's his polite way to confiscate guns to keep looting and shooting to a minimum. I feel sorry for those folks who live on their small sailboats - nowhere to run.

You think confiscating the guns will keep looting and shooting to a minimum? How about rolling out the welcome mat for all those "misguided youth" who will now know there is no opposition once they break down the door.

Not a good idea by the gov...

 

[steelslaver]

Montana has a law that prohibits such an act even in the time of emergency.

While the US Virgin Is may not be a state they are a US territory and may not be bound by the constitution in some matters, but, personal rights and freedom matters are covered. I would have to believe confiscation of personal property would be covered as would the second amendment right.

See Downs v Bidwell

The Supreme Court decided 5-4 that the newly-annexed territories were not properly part of the United States for purposes of the Constitution in the matter of revenues, administrative matter, and the like. This allows congress to appoint government officials and impose tariffs etc.

BUT

However, the court was careful to note that the constitutional guarantees of a citizen's rights of liberty and property were applicable to all: such guarantees "cannot be under any circumstances transcended," said Justice Edward Douglass White, in his concurring opinion.

Territories were due the full protections of the Constitution only when Congress had incorporated them as an "integral part" of the United States.

I think the Govenor is going to get handed his you know what on this one.

 

[Smithpride]

They're not exactly bound the U.S. Constitution. They don't even have a constitution of their own . . .

Sorry, sir, but they are afforded the protections of the US Constitution and BofR:
United States Virgin Islands - Wikipedia

 

[OLDNAVYMCPO]

The only reason that they don't have a constitution is because it has to be approved by the US congress. Now what could possibly go wrong there.

 

[eb07]

This has been debunked as fake news FYI

Government House - US Virgin Islands - Home | Facebook

Fellow Virgin Islanders - Please beware of the rumors and misperceptions that happen in an emergency situation. This and the VITEMA page are official sources of information regarding this storm. Please be advised that there is ABSOLUTELY NO effort to confiscate anyone's weapons. As a matter of law, when the National Guard is activated in an emgergency situation they are granted the power to seize weapons and other materials they deem necessary to carry out their mission. Such an order is executed EVERY TIME the V.I. National Guard is activated. Anyone that says otherwise is simply trying to create confusion during what is already a very stressful time for us all. Those with concerns about this provision of the VI Code should bring them to our law-making body following the storm.

 

[SASABERANGER]

It is always easier to Beg for Forgiveness than ask For Permission.
Thom Braxton
SWCA #1474

 

[SASABERANGER]

The Governor of the VI under the Authority as Governor Activated the VI National Guard ahead of Irma. The decree signed by him didn't mention anything about seizures, just the authority to Activate the Guard Units.
Thom Braxton
SWCA #1474

 

[les.b]

This seems to be the document everyone is interested in...

I would point out the wording in paragraph 2, lines 10, 11, 12, and 13.

Best Regards, Les