On Wednesday, Governors Kevin Stitt, Josh Shapiro (D-PA) and Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) sent a letter to Turks and Caicos Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam asking for the release of three Americans being held on charges of ammunition possession.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Wednesday, Governors Kevin Stitt, Josh Shapiro (D-PA) and Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) sent a letter to the Governor of Turks and Caicos asking for the release of three Americans being held on ammunition possession charges.
Ryan Watson of Oklahoma, Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania and Tyler Wenrich of Virginia are currently being held in Turks and Caicos. All of them reportedly claim they unintentionally left ammunition in their luggage prior to departing from the U.S.
News 4 was at Will Rogers World Airport when Ryan Watson's wife, Valerie Watson, returned to Oklahoma City from Turks and Caicos.
Valerie was released in late April when her charges were dropped after being detained for 11 days. Ryan was granted bail on April 24, but still remains in Turks and Caicos. His next court date is scheduled for June 7.
The full letter, addressed to Turks and Caicos Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, can be read below.
Dear Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam,
We, the undersigned Governors of Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Virginia, write to you regarding the recent arrests in Turks and Caicos of three citizens from our respective states.
Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania, Tyler Scott Wenrich of Virginia, and Ryan Taylor Watson of Oklahoma have been charged with ammunition offenses. Like thousands of Americans each year, these individuals traveled to your beautiful territory recently for leisure. They have all maintained that they did not intend to bring ammunition into Turks and Caicos, and any ammunition unknowingly left in their bag was the result of lawful conduct in the United States. We understand that none of them were carrying firearms.
As governors, we understand and appreciate the critical importance of upholding the laws and regulations of your territory for the protection of your citizens. We humbly ask that your government—in its wisdom—temper justice with mercy and recognize that these men made mistakes but had no apparent malicious intent.
We respectfully request that you reconsider the charges against Brian Hagerich, Tyler Scott Wenrich, and Ryan Taylor Watson and expedite their release back to their respective states and families as soon as possible. This action will create the necessary recognition of your laws that will impact the future actions of travelers and continue our mutual interest in justice and goodwill between our jurisdictions.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and remain hopeful for a swift and just resolution.
Sincerely
J. Kevin Stitt, governor of Oklahoma; Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania; Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia
