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- Luke 2:14
Gun Owners of America Sues U.S. Virgin Islands Over Unconstitutional Ban on Nonresident Right to Bear Arms
Gun Owners of America Sues U.S. Virgin Islands Over Unconstitutional Ban on Nonresident Right to Bear Arms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2026
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, USVI — Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. Virgin Islands’ prohibition on nonresidents exercising their Second Amendment rights.
The lawsuit argues the USVI has created one of the nation’s most restrictive firearm licensing schemes by refusing to recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits while barring nonresidents from applying for a USVI carry license.
The case builds on GOA’s successful litigation ending unconstitutional residency restrictions in California and New York. GOA previously secured legal victories allowing qualified nonresidents to apply for concealed carry permits in those states.
The complaint states that after the Supreme Court’s decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen, the USVI repealed its limited reciprocity law, leaving nonresidents with no lawful way to carry for self-defense. GOA argues the residency requirement violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments and asks the court to require the territory to accept applications from qualified nonresidents.
The plaintiff in this case is a law-abiding American who holds a valid Florida Concealed Weapon License, is a Federal Firearms Licensee, and meets every qualification for a USVI carry license except residency. Despite planning to travel to St. Thomas, USVI law bars him from even applying.
Luis Valdes, USVI Outreach Director for Gun Owners of America and National Co-Chair of Fuerza 2A, issued the following statement:
“The Second Amendment doesn’t end at the shoreline. Americans don’t lose their constitutional rights simply because they travel to a U.S. territory. The USVI has created a system where law-abiding citizens are categorically denied the ability to exercise a fundamental constitutional right based solely on where they live. That’s not how constitutional rights work in America, and we’re asking the federal courts to put an end to this blatant violation.“
GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization representing over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.
-GOA-
WY: Which Candidates Will Defend Your Gun Rights?
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The Wyoming Primary Election is quickly approaching, and your vote will help determine who will defend your Second Amendment rights in the years ahead. Gun Owners of America has completed our candidate evaluations and issued letter grades for a number of candidates across Wyoming based on their records, voting histories, responses to GOA’s candidate survey, and demonstrated commitment to protecting the right to keep and bear arms. Before you head to the polls, we encourage you to review every candidate’s GOA grade. |
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If you don’t see the candidate running in your district, it means they did not return our survey that was sent to their campaign address listed in the Wyoming Secretary of State report. Don’t see your candidate? Consider contacting them to ask them why they didn’t respond. What you’ll find is that in most cases, candidates who refuse to respond to GOA’s survey are trying to hide their anti-gun positions. These grades are designed to help gun owners make informed decisions at the ballot box. GOA carefully evaluates candidates based on their support for the Second Amendment, not political party or campaign rhetoric. With early voting underway and Election Day rapidly approaching, now is the time to make a plan to vote. From repealing gun-free zones, to outlawing red flag policies, passing preemption, and passing the Second Amendment Protection Act, every election matters, and every pro-gun vote helps ensure Wyoming continues to elect legislators who will defend your constitutional freedoms. Review GOA’s Wyoming Candidate Grades, then make your plan to vote in the Wyoming Primary Election on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Thank you for standing with Gun Owners of America in defense of the Second Amendment. |