Punishment is 'absurd': Gov. Stitt on Americans detained in Turks and Caicos | Morning in America

Four Americans face ammunition charges in Turks and Caicos, which carry a minimum penalty of 12 years in prison. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt says the U.S. needs to put pressure on Turks and Caicos, possibly by issuing a travel ban. Stitt also discusses the efforts he's making to get the four men home.
#Oklahoma #firearms #TurksandCaicos
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[@angelafreites2849]

Why is not one reporting about the numerous bomb threats we've received since this. Just yesterday our children were targeted because of this. Our laws are our laws, and if we as citizens of the Turks and Caicos have to face the reality then so does anyone else, no exceptions.

[@justphilly8983]

THAT PARTTTT!!!!!

[@IAmGemma649]

When in the USA you guys say the law is the law. So in the Turks and Caicos, the law is the law.

[@Justicewarrior908]

Oh, so Britney Griner was a thug but this person is a hero? Lmfao the hypocrisy is wild. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes, next.

[@Michael-uv6cn]

Too bad, so sad. You broke the law. I’m sure you didn’t use the “it was an accident” excuse when Britney Griner did it. And neither did I. You’re supposed to have a good idea of what laws are in another country.

[@albertobenevenuto77]

What would happens to me, as non American citizen if i was caught with ammunition in the airport? 😅😅😅 Respect the law!

[@josephdigiorgio]

We would give you housing, food, clothing, education, services for your children, healthcare, Transportation, provide Legal Services, your own personal debit card with money for other personal purchases. Keep up with the news😊

[@AFloridaSon]

T&C has tried fines and shorter sentences, but nobody cared. They finally got tired of it and made the sentence harder, and now people freak out. Maybe America could learn something from T&C and start making sentences hardder for criminals here.

[@nancyenkelmann4552]

Anything Gov . Schitt says I take with less than a grain of salt. He doesn't give a shit about this dude. And what he did was stupid, not intentional but downright stupid.

[@Justicewarrior908]

And I quite frankly don't believe it was an "honest" mistake. This wasn't some Russian communist country for weed. He was arrested for a legitimate CRIME.

[@Willowinthewinds]

I don't get it, why "pressure" Turks and Caicos to not follow their own laws. How about Americans be more careful and know what is in your luggage when you travel. Take responsibility for your own actions.

[@jamekia4985]

I want know if we Turks and Caicos Islanders broke American laws if you guys will allow us to pay a fine

[@Sandra-dt4ec]

This is suspicious these guys are all carrying random ammo?

[@brich6875]

And all of them just say it was accidental and didn’t realize it was in there 🙄

[@TravelsLite]

Sorry not sorry, but you do not need to take ammunition with you. Be responsible and clean out your luggage. If your destination doesn’t allow for it, leave it at home!

[@GarretGrayCamera]

Excessive? Maybe. The real issue is not checking your luggage for illegal things. Since 9/11 that’s common sense and smart people do that.

[@ebyim]

....Unless you are an American and don't mutually respect the laws of other countries like these travelers.

[@GregLakatosChradm]

They'll come home, after they've served their sentence.

[@uniphied3]

Obey the law!!

[@anthonythornhill8715]

I agree that it seems excessive, but there are signs at most airports about checking your own luggage. I saw an interview with one of the wives in these cases where our TSA was blamed! How about personal responsibility?

[@ebyim]

Playing the victim card

[@justphilly8983]

What’s really crazy is the fact that all four of them had ammunition in their bags

[@dexter.0522]

Does anyone find it strange that all four of them had ammunition in their baggage?

[@EChan-eu2co]

Came from a gun enthusiast's channel's video on this issue. They were like "it's too hard not to have ammo in my bag so let's boycott Turks and Caicos".

[@dhoffman4955]

At least they weren’t pinned down until they couldn’t breath

[@AFloridaSon]

This guy thinks it will hurt their tourism. I'll advocate 2a and constitutional carry in America, but I'm smart enough to know that's not for everyone. Right now T&C is getting tons of free press as being a safe place for families. It's easy enough to make sure I don't have ammo in my bag, so I may even visit there.

[@ebyim]

This should actually bolster tourism from the US because it shows that T&C is strict about guns and safety.

[@Stinder]

These are the same so called "responsible gun owners" who probably are so careless about their weapons when they are home and let their kids play with them too!

[@kateganz]

Play stupid games..win stupid prizes...sentences very high but those are their laws

[@miki49]

“Absurd?” Wow the media is dramatic. Without laws, we have no order. Nothing absurd about upholding laws

[@ebyim]

The US should respect and not dictate how other countries administer their own laws.

[@elliebrown181]

How do you go through several screens and then get caught????

[@Sandra-dt4ec]

Cruise ship

[@corydor4218]

Just one of so many examples of irresponsible weapons ownership.

[@roshardtalbot8045]

You want to put pressure on Turks and Caicos and try to put a band on them, but if it was America I would spent my time in jail and deported back to Turks and Caicos. The law is the law and if he did had bullets in his bag he should have carry it to the police station. You trying to tell me you can’t hear the sound of bullets in your bag moving. When going through any checkpoint first thing is to make sure you don’t have nothing that you can’t carry in your bag. I really think it’s wrong for Oklahoma governor is for saying to put pressure and a travel band on TCI. If they change the law for him then the law should be change for everyone who is in jail for this crime.

[@rangerwill]

More than that. Not only would you be deported, you would then be banned for life from re-entering the US.

[@brooksfleming7643]

I know. Lol. They always act like anybody but black people are victoms of the law. Us. Its a crime. Them. They just had a bad day. Lol.

[@GregLakatosChradm]

Yeah, tht's why Biden traded a weapons dealer for a female basketball player. Or Trump got 4 college basketball players out of China. You're a victim in your own mind.

[@josephdigiorgio]

I wish the US enforced our own laws as stringently like this.

[@kingofdubs]

The second amendment doesn't apply to other countries!!

[@glenmcdonald3548]

Hey governor, ignorance is not an excuse to break the law cowboy. I see the great state of Oklahoma $1 billion bond to get there. Loved one home.

[@dhoffman4955]

Again I say, maybe these families will have more empathy for jailed Americans.

[@ItzShxn]

And what does a family man have to do with bro carrying ammo? Jokers

[@rformetoknow479]

Thems the breaks. If you're going to other countries do the research. This is the law there. Not here.

[@rangerwill]

Well, on the entry card for Singapore they tell you that the penalty for bringing drugs into their country is death. To be forewarned....

[@tonygarrett9115]

Look who they are. Dumb??? Dosen't surprise me.

[@starlight7830]

The law is the law !

[@QuincyJamy]

The law is indeed paramount, and it's essential to uphold it with diligence and wisdom. While it is disheartening to witness the proliferation of firearms in regions where they are not produced, it is imperative for leaders to prioritize implementing comprehensive firearm regulations within their own jurisdictions before dictating policy to others. Furthermore, it's crucial to recognize the limitations of government intervention in legal matters. While the government has a responsibility to enforce and uphold the law, it must also respect the principles of justice and due process. Intervening in legal matters without proper justification or adherence to established legal procedures can undermine the very foundations of a fair and just society. In navigating these complex issues, it is incumbent upon leaders to exercise prudence, foresight, and a deep commitment to the principles of justice and equality under the law. Only through thoughtful and responsible governance can we strive towards a safer and more just society for all.

[@Ladyshem1]

How did it leave the US🤔🤔🤔

[@leighannsoles8432]

Thoughts and prayers.

[@beverleywilliams9275]

And here comes the bullying tactic.

[@tlmas1914]

how we dont know these are not from a crime committed on the island??????

[@chelsear.5386]

4:45 I'm pretty sure there are a lot of wrongfully convicted American citizens in American jails who have been unjustly separated from their families. Maybe focus on getting them home first.

[@pfdang-a-lang8314]

Why not just take the time out to buy a separate bag for your firearms and ammo

[@gabriepte]

These irresponsible tourists just fucked around and found out...

[@Nikitateagurl_77]

You dont feel it in your luggage? TSA dnt xray check there? How these men cant keep track with their ammo?

[@rangerwill]

I was on a flight from Orlando and TSA stopped me for a miniature can of soda I had in my bag. My bag was searched, the soda was confiscated and I was allowed to continue on my way. So this means they're more diligent about liquids than they are about bullets.

[@MikeN-cs8qe]

Gov. Stitt’s wife, Norma Stitts, is working on a couple of BIG SURPRISES 😉 of these guys when they return.

[@lorihamlin3604]

Sure it’s absurd but we do not make laws for other countries and we expect foreigners to obey our laws. Question is why did our TSA miss this when we have to go through such a shakedown at security. You feel like a criminal when you forget to empty your water bottle. Anytime you travel outside the US you are subject to the laws of that country.

[@user-dz4lz6df6l]

It’s a shame a governor is encouraging his citizens to commit crimes in other people country

[@masonfetterer]

Time for the BIG STICK!!!!

[@josephpesc9738]

Put a travel ban on Turks and Caicos Islands because they enforcing their laws.

[@AES4life_]

I honestly dont see anything wrong with enforcing the law in the turks and Caicos now they make it seem like the turks and Caicos is the bad guy and i only see a British overseas territory enforcing its law

[@TURKS-101]

and on top of that i heard that americans is sending out boom threats to these islands…. how about yall try and solve that…. just like how everyone must respect americans law yall should respect other countries law…. carelessness is no excuse for any law to be broken !!

[@watermeloniesha]

Do I believe that a 12 year sentence is extreme for the violation, yes! However don't go breaking another country's laws. Like seriously, do your research and be on your best behavior. You are a guest. The privilege to assume you are exempt from another country's laws is just ludicrous!?!? These are the same Americans that will get pissy with folks visiting the use and not obeying the laws here but want exemptions for themselves just because they said its just ammunition. I don't evem feel bad for them. It's unfortunate and I do wish them the best but it's not like they didn't put themselves in that situation

[@MikeN-cs8qe]

No sympathy for these guys…..im an american and a RESPONSIBLE gun owner.🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Couch_Coach_Karen]

This is a British colony. Where is the British government to step in and release these prisoners. This is absurd!

[@clintszigety4458]

T&C has their own laws and constitution. Unlike Presidents and governors, typically Prime ministers / premiers do not have the power to pardon or release prisoners. Highly doubtful the UK government would get involved.

[@ItzShxn]

You Americans carrying ammunition to another country and crying that u face time cuz it’s illegal there. Cry.

[@TURKS-101]

what if it was someone from Turks and Caicos Islands who got caught with a few bullets at the airport then what??? A lot Of Americans don’t like to take accountability… it’s crazy that 4 or 5 individuals got caught with ammunitions and yall expect everyone to just forget about it….. yall need to get a grip on yall self !!!! the audacity of this gov to say put a travel band on turks when it’s yall citizens that broke the law… really just showing how foolish america is on a whole

[@KamarahJohnJohn]

Sorry but they ha e to do time

[@BlackandBlessed100]

Please bring these men home 🇺🇸 If he had No criminal record 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽they need to be with their families

[@nancyenkelmann4552]

They will be but they need to learn that if you go to another country, you must obey their laws. Too bad, so sad.

[@Michael-uv6cn]

Oh good lord, what does having a prior criminal record have to do with it? Any person has to follow the laws of the country they are residing or visiting in, these men failed to do that and now are paying for it.

[@FeliciaWilliams-gv1dm]

Countries have laws , abide and respect them.

[@KamarahJohnJohn]

It's law if it was me I was gone do time so they have to do time

[@enriquepartida3689]

No sympathy from me.

[@americanazheck]

Shame the us dosnt enforce their laws

[@KamarahJohnJohn]

It's law if it was me I was gone do time so they have to do time