“We want all gun owners to be accountable and we want them to register. DPS should go after those who did not register their guns,” Reyes told Variety.
CNMI Range Master Ambrose Ogumoro disclosed in a recent news conference there are an estimated over 800 unregistered guns in the commonwealth.
He warned the public they have until Jan. 16, 2009 to register their guns or they will be prosecuted.
Over the weekend, two masked men attempted to rob a 54-year-old woman in San Vicente. One of them fired shots and hit the victim’s head with a hammer.
Prior to the enactment of Public Law 15-62, all registered gun owners are required to undergo the mandatory firearms safety education class.
Ogumoro wants P.L. 15-62 repealed so that all gun owners — whether they are applying a gun license for the first time or renewing permit — undergo the class as mandated in P.L. 14-51.
The mandatory class would also make it easier for DPS to get grants under the Project Child Safe program.
“[P.L. 15-62] forfeited existing federal grants and contradicted the firearms safety per gun owner in the CNMI. Bear in mind that having a driver’s license is a privilege; however, owning a gun is governed by the law,” said Ogumoro.
In an interview, Reyes who sponsored the bill that became P.L. 15-62, reiterated that it’s not necessary to have long-time gun owners undergo the same safety class when renewing their license.
“Originally everybody has to go through the process of renewing their license for their rifles. I offered an amendment and it became law. But those who have been owners of guns for a long time do not need to go to classes. It’s crazy that we have to go to classes,” said Reyes who has been licensed to carry a gun for about 40 years now.
A retired U.S. Army veteran, Reyes said nothing will be accomplished if the law is abolished.
“I am not sure what we would accomplish if we abolish that law. I totally disagree with that notion. It’s like a driver’s license. When you get it for the first time, you have to take the test. But when you renew, you don’t have to take the test because you’re driving the same vehicle. You know how to drive a car already. You’ve proven that. It’s ridiculous as far as I am concerned,” he said.
“The new [gun] owners, of course, have to go through the process, especially if they don’t have the background,” he added.
