Government House Responds to U.S. DOJ Lawsuit Over VIPD Firearms Licensing Practices

The Government of the Virgin Islands has responded to a federal civil lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice challenging the territory’s firearms licensing practices, saying it takes the allegations “seriously” and will address them through the legal process as it works to protect constitutional rights and public safety. The Department of Justice on Dec. 16 filed a complaint in federal court against the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Police Department and Police Commissioner Mario Brooks in his official capacity. According to the DOJ’s lawsuit, the firearms licensing scheme in the territory violates the Second Amendment by imposing unreasonable delays, unconstitutional conditions, and maintaining a “proper cause” standard that the U.S. Supreme Court has deemed invalid. Government House issued a statement in response to media inquiries, acknowledging the filing and outlining the administration’s position. “Government House is aware of a complaint filed T...