To Potential Donors,

My name is Kosei ("Ko-Say") Ohno (https://bearingarms.com/cam-and-company#brid_cp_Brid_2379856). I am a business owner in the United States Virgin Islands, and I have been a licensed, concealed carry firearms owner since 2018. When my twice-approved firearms license came up for renewal in 2024, I was denied my renewal licenses for unlawful, arbitrary, and capricious reasons. What was worse is that it took over five (5) months for the Firearms Department to conduct its review and denial. Suddenly and without legal justification, my life and liberty were put at risk. Despite repeated good faith efforts to resolve this matter amicably, I was forced to file a lawsuit to restore my rights to my firearms (https://viconsortium.com/vi-government/virgin-islands-crown-bay-marina-co-owner-sues-vipd-commissioner-over-firearm-license-renewal-denial).

My case was filed in the Federal District Court of the Virgin Islands (Case No. 3:25-cv-00014). What makes my case unique is that the U.S. Virgin Islands District Court reports to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, which is a more favorable environment for firearms laws and could also create the necessary circuit court split to challenge the "so-called" assault weapons ban, magazine capacity restrictions, and suppressor restrictions at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Additionally, the U.S. Virgin Islands Firearms Law is almost word-for-word identical to New York firearms laws, which were deemed to be unconstitutional by the landmark U.S. Supreme Court Case (Bruen, 2022) for violating Second Amendment rights. As such, it should have been revised and amended. However, the Virgin Islands Police Department, VI Department of Justice, and the VI Legislature have so far obstinately refused to respect the law of the land. The United States Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States and the Second Amendment rights apply to the Territory pursuant to the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands of 1954, as amended ("ROA") with "... the same force and effect there as in the United States or in any State of the United States...."

Since I am challenging the entire Title 23, Chapter 5, Virgin Islands Code as inconsistent with the Second Amendment, my case could provide relief to the estimated 5,000 to 8,000 law-abiding American firearms owners in the United States Virgin Islands as well as become the basis for getting the U.S. Supreme Court to address the unconstitutional "so-called" assault weapons ban, magazine capacity restrictions, and suppressor restrictions.

Separately, the local U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature has been actively pursuing new laws and regulations in an attempt to deprive Second Amendment rights. Successful resolution of my case could also provide the proper guidance and warning not to establish unconstitutional laws. (https://archive.is/3dL96). To further combat the local legislatures, I also founded the Virgin Islands Safe Gun Owners ("VISGO"), which was formed to restore and promote Second Amendment Rights in the Territory while promoting safe gun ownership (https://visgo340.org).

Call to Action!

This case is not just about one person—it’s about defending the constitutional rights of every law-abiding American in the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond. Legal battles of this magnitude require significant resources to stand against government overreach and ensure justice is upheld. I am asking for your support through this GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal fees, court costs, and related expenses. Every contribution—large or small—makes a real difference in protecting the Second Amendment and setting a national precedent for liberty. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with others who believe in defending our constitutional freedoms.

Sincerely yours,

Kosei ("Ko-Say") Ohno