Gov. Stitt co-authors letter asking for release of three Americans held in Turks & Caicos

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