English
EspañolWho do I notify if I think the abuser should not have a gun?
If you think the abuser broke a CNMI gun law, you can call the local police.
If you think the abuser broke a federal gun law, you can contact the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). There are several different ways to do this:
- The ATF has a hotline for reporting illegal gun activity at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).
- The ATF also has both an app and a website to allow people to submit anonymous tips. There is more information on their website.
- There is an ATF field office in Guam if you would like to speak to someone relatively local.
Many ATF offices have victim advocates, called “victim/witness coordinators.” You can ask to speak with one of these advocates if you are having a hard time reaching an ATF officer.
A local domestic violence organization in your area may also be able to answer your questions and help you talk to the right law enforcement officials. You can find contact information for organizations in your area on our CNMI Advocates and Shelters page.
Note: Generally, a person does not need to know the law to be arrested for breaking it. If the abuser has or buys a gun in violation of the law, s/he can be arrested, whether or not s/he knows that s/he broke the law.1
1 United States v. Lippman, 369 F. 3d 1039 (8th Cir. 2004); United States v. Henson, 55 F. Supp. 2d 528 (S.D. W.V. 1999)
What will happen if the abuser tries to purchase a gun?
In the CNMI, guns can only be legally bought through a licensed firearms vendor. All sales must occur in person, and the buyer must show a current Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) to the vendor. Even for private sales or transfers between individuals, the gun owner must either:
- take the gun to a licensed firearms vendor who will perform the necessary background and records checks; or
- complete the sale or transfer at the Department of Public Safety, following very specific requirements laid out in the law, which you can find in section (b) of 6 CMC §10803.1
To learn more about the FOID and its requirements, go to I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that illegal in the CNMI?
In addition, it is illegal to borrow, rent, loan, or give a weapon to another person in the CNMI.2
Note:Just because someone was able to buy a gun, this doesn’t always mean it is legal for him/her to have one. If you believe that the abuser cannot legally have a gun but has one anyway, you can report it to the police. You can ask them to take the abuser’s gun away. Hopefully, the police will investigate the situation. You may also want to consider making a safety plan, which might include filing for an order of protection. An advocate at your local domestic violence organization may be able to help you design a personalized safety plan
1 6 CMC §§ 10802; 10803
2 6 CMC § 10201
