The Nantucket, Mass. Police Department has stopped accepting Firearm Identification Card and License to Carry applications until further notice due to “finger print based criminal records check[s]” amid coronavirus restrictions.
The Town of Nantucket Police Department posted on Twitter regarding the suspension Wednesday, announcing that the action was taken “after employees responsible for obtaining … fingerprints expressed their concern that they could not safely do their jobs with the workplace safety procedures that we have in place.”
The department continued, “Because of the processes involved in obtaining these permits it is impossible to do while following state guidelines for social distancing in the workplace.”
PRESS RELEASE Applications for Permits and Licenses Requiring a fingerprint based Criminal Records Check #Nantucket pic.twitter.com/FbZRl3KlHk
— Nantucket Police (@NantucketPolice) November 18, 2020
According to the State of Massachusetts’ official website, it is illegal to own a gun without an FID card. It is also illegal to transport a firearm under specific conditions or carry for self-defense without an LTC permit.
Therefore, Nantucket residents could be blocked from being able to legally own or carry a gun.
The Nantucket Police Department’s tweet regarding the suspension was the second one posted on the issue. The first tweet was deleted after sparking backlash.
Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms retweeted the department’s announcement, adding, “This is why your rights should never require a license in order to exercise them.”
This is why your rights should never require a license in order to exercise them. https://t.co/M171SxaVr1
— Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) November 18, 2020
Students for Trump founder and co-chair Ryan Fournier also criticized the suspension, tweeting, “COVID-19 is not a reason to infringe on our Second Amendment right to defend ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.”
“More firearms in the hands of law-abiding Americans makes everyone more safe,” he added.
COVID-19 is not a reason to infringe on our Second Amendment right to defend ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.
More firearms in the hands of law-abiding Americans makes everyone more safe. https://t.co/QbukZdgcee
— Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) November 18, 2020
Another user on Twitter said the move would force residents to carry without a permit, stating, “They cannot put a restriction on a right and THEN shut down access to said right.”
Then people have the right to carry without. They cannot put a restriction on a right, and THEN shut down access to said right. Carry at will people!!!!!
— President-elect Ipit (@ipit712) November 18, 2020
