Bryan Says V.I. Gun Policy Has "Totally Failed," Calls for Easier Licensing and Legal Gun Ranges

The governor argues that restrictive gun laws drive more residents to obtain illegal firearms and proposes a new system that simplifies legal gun ownership while ensuring registration and ballistic tracking.

“I think the Virgin Islands gun policy has totally failed,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr., speaking during Wednesday's exclusive interview with the Consortium. He was responding to a question about how the territory could possibly stem the influx of unlicensed, unregistered firearms into the territory. “What happens is – when you tell somebody no, the temptation is more,” Governor Bryan argued, referring to the territory's strict gun ownership regulations. “The states with the toughest gun laws get the highest homicide rates,” he declared.

“I think we should move to a place where we open gun ranges that are legal and we make it easier for people to license and carry firearms,” Governor Bryan stated. He argued that the percentage of Virgin Islanders who carry unregistered weapons for reasons of ill-intent is very small, while the majority of residents carry firearms because “they're trying to protect themselves, or feel protected.”