Virgin Islands Allows National Guard To Seize Guns, Ammo Ahead Of Hurricane Irma

Virgin Islands Allows National Guard To Seize Guns, Ammo Ahead Of Hurricane Irma

U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp signed an emergency order allowing the seizure of private guns, ammunition, explosives and property the National Guard may need to respond to Hurricane Irma.

Mapp signed the order Monday in preparation for Hurricane Irma. The order allows the Adjutant General of the Virgin Islands to seize private property they believe necessary to protect the islands, subject to approval by the territory’s Justice Department.

Mapp issued an emergency declaration Tuesday and mobilized National Guard units to prepare for the massive storm.

Hm. I'm not sure I understand how this helps them protect the Islands.

Someone have a good theory?

originally posted by: loam

Virgin Islands Allows National Guard To Seize Guns, Ammo Ahead Of Hurricane Irma

U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp signed an emergency order allowing the seizure of private guns, ammunition, explosives and property the National Guard may need to respond to Hurricane Irma.

Mapp signed the order Monday in preparation for Hurricane Irma. The order allows the Adjutant General of the Virgin Islands to seize private property they believe necessary to protect the islands, subject to approval by the territory’s Justice Department.

Mapp issued an emergency declaration Tuesday and mobilized National Guard units to prepare for the massive storm.

Hm. I'm not sure I understand how this helps them protect the Islands.

Someone have a good theory?

From people looting after it hits

a reply to: loam

They will use excuses of public safety. Utter breach of freedom imo. So now you cant protect you and yours? ×_>$# them id fight them then the storm

a reply to: loam


Never mind the hurricane, beware of the Gubner.

a reply to: Lucidparadox

Looters typically don't convert their looting into armed robbery. Moreover, it's property owners that use these weapons to protect their property from looters.

Am I missing something? Does the national guard not have enough weapons and ammo in the VI?

Is this when being unregistered is a good thing?

I'm sure they'll get them back, but part of me knows that anytime you relinquish power to anyone, especially the government, it's almost impossible to get it back.

Imagine if they tried this in Texas, lol.

a reply to: loam

The government decides which goods from whom need protection.
Or it's fear of a coupe?
Depopulation?

This is clearly unconstitutional, just like during Katrina. They didn't confiscate weapons during Harvey, did they?

I heard the governor there is a real douche!

Double post

a reply to: loam

How is taking supplies from potential victims of a natural disaster a good train of thought? That seems a little backwards to me.s&f

from last October .......

FBI Says The Virgin Islands Has The Highest Murder Rate In The Country

The Virgin Islands had the highest murder rate in the country — higher per capita than any other state, commonwealth or territory in the country, according to the latest statistics released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The FBI figures show that the murder rate in the territory increased by 10 percent between 2014 and 2015 for murders and non-negligent homicides, the FBI’s annual report “Crime In the United States.”

The NRA reacts:

NRA Condemns U.S. Virgin Island Firearm Confiscation Plan

The National Rifle Association on Tuesday announced its strong opposition to the order signed by U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp allowing the government to seize personal firearms and ammunition ahead of Hurricane Irma. The NRA is prepared to engage the legal system to halt the unconstitutional order.

"People need the ability to protect themselves during times of natural disaster,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director, National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action. “This dangerous order violates the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens and puts their lives at risk.”

After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin instituted a similar order and began confiscating legally owned and possessed firearms. The NRA intervened in federal court and was able to halt the confiscations and obtain an order requiring the return of the seized firearms. The organization then backed federal legislation to prohibit the confiscation of legal firearms from law-abiding citizens during states of emergency. In 2006, President George W. Bush signed this legislation into law.

a reply to: Lucidparadox

From people looting after it hits

No.... thats why people need them.
To protect there property and family's

a reply to: loam

the only two sources i see for this story are your link and


NOLA news article

nothing on CNN or BBC yet.

The US national guard doesnt have any ammo? What are they expecring a full scale pirate invasion? BS! Maybe the people will even cheer them like the dooshes in boston.

a reply to: IgnoranceIsntBlisss

i find it amusing that a republican governor is the one who signed this order.

for years all you hear is democrats want your guns!!

i guess republicans do too.

Anyone on ATS from the British Virgin Islands who can tell us how it's being played there?

originally posted by: TJames

Anyone on ATS from the British Virgin Islands who can tell us how it's being played there?

The BVI isn't impacted by United States law.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Of course yes, I'm from Britain, was wondering the spin and slant being played there just for interesting comparison.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: TJames

Anyone on ATS from the British Virgin Islands who can tell us how it's being played there?

The BVI isn't impacted by United States law.

Perhaps that's why the National Guard in the USVI is looking to boost their firepower? Hurricane Irma, as in "Irma gonna come over there and make the British Virgin Isles American once and fer all."