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Ex-Army Ranger files $5M lawsuit vs CNMI over seizure of his guns
Paul Michael Murphy, a former U.S. Army Ranger who is now a teacher, is filing a $5-million lawsuit in federal court against the CNMI government over the confiscation of his firearms and ammunition in 2007.
In a pro se complaint or without a lawyer, Murphy also asked the U.S. District Court for the NMI to repeal the CNMI Weapons Control Act and all associated legislation, licensing, taxation, recording, administration, and processing.
Murphy said the Department of Public Safety withheld all his firearms and ammunition until the issuance of a firearms, ammunition, and explosive identification card on Sept. 20, 2007.
He said his two firearms were sent to Guam Police Department armory for holding while the ammunition is still being held by CNMI DPS Firearms Section.
Murphy said DPS had denied his repeated request to carry and possess his rifle and pistol.
Sen. Pete Ryes (Ind-Saipan) has filed a bill that will regulate handguns in the Commonwealth in anticipation of the U.S. District Court possibly shooting down the Commonwealth Weapons Control Act.
Senate Bill 18-69 is a measure “to provide for the possession and management of firearms in the Commonwealth.”
The Commonwealth Weapons Control Act has been challenged in the courts and Reyes said the CNMI is now faced with a difficult decision—whether to fight a costly legal battle with little or no prospect of success or move forward in conformance with the Second Amendment.
Last September, David J. Radich, a U.S. Navy Gulf War veteran, and his wife filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court challenging the constitutionality of the CNMI Weapons Control Act that prohibits all residents from obtaining handguns for self-defense purposes. Radich’s wife suffered serious injuries during a home invasion on Saipan in 2010.
