Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp issued an order for the National Guard to seize residents’ lawfully-owned firearms and ammunition, ostensibly as a means of promoting public order and protecting life and property during Hurricane Irma. The order states, in no uncertain terms, that the Adjutant General of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard is “authorized and directed to seize arms, ammunition, explosives, incendiary material and any other property” deemed necessary to the mission of maintaining or restoring order during the storm. 

Governor of Virgin Islands Orders National Guard to Seize Americans’ Firearms

When police seize firearms, they tend to not want to give them back. Such was the case with a New York woman who had four firearms seized when she was put under a protective order at the request of her husband. When the order expired, police tried to keep the guns until the woman produced a court order for their return. Fortunately, but only after a court battle, the circuit court has ruled that police must return such seized weapons. 

Circuit Opens Door to Gun Recovery After Order Expires