US

Marines Rallying Around Former PFC Arrested for Trying to Check Gun at Empire State Building

Marines Rallying Support for Ryan Jerome Arrested for Gun at Empire State Building

credit: New York Post/Steven Hirsch

Ryan Jerome risked his life for his country and was honorably discharged for his service, but now New York City wants to throw him in jail for what seems to be an honest mistake.

Jerome  carried his handgun —  a.45 Ruger legally registered in Indiana — into notoriously 2nd-amendment-averse New York City. During a visit to the Empire State Building, Jerome tried to check his weapon with authorities on September 27th, and is now facing over three years in jail.

Before arriving in NYC, Jerome checked online with his phone to determine if his Indiana carry permit was reciprocal with New York, but had problems with his cell phone.

His Leatherneck brethren are outraged at what appears a heavy-handed miscarriage of justice, and they refuse to let one of their own go down without a fight.

According the the New York Post, Jerome said that “It is just overwhelming, the love and support I am receiving from my fellow Marines.” Jerome was a former private first class (PFC) who was a TOW gunner before his honorable discharge in 2005. He comes from a long line of marines — his father and grandfather both served in the Corps.

It has not been lost on the public that a man who is both highly trained with weapons, and highly trusted by Uncle Sam, would now face several years in prison for an honest mistake with absolutely no negative outcome. Nobody was injured, nothing was damaged — it does not appear that anyone at the site of the incident was even particularly alarmed.

Dave Bruce, a former Marine himself and Boston lawyer,  is putting together an online campaign through leatherneck.com that, according to the NY Post, “will send its first 14 e-mails to Kelly, Mayor Bloomberg and DA Cyrus Vance today.” There is also a Facebook group that supports Ryan Jerome’s release.

There have been a number of tourists arrested in NYC for gun possession in recent months, spurring analysts and onlookers across the country to wonder how it is possible that a city government can, in their view, so blithely abrogate the 2nd Amendment and threaten citizens with years of imprisonment.

Comments (162)

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  • jdare
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:55pm

    States cannot make laws against issues that are specific in the constitution. You might want to dust off your copy and read it again. Heritage Foundation will send you one for a dollar. TEA! Fair Tax!

    Report Post » jdare  
  • SweetDoug
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:51pm

    Mostly good comments, but the real problem is, is that there is no LAW in the United States.

    We’ve had nearly a century of the fifth column leftist, progressives, bending and warping, “reinterpreting” our laws, then with information obfuscation, outcomes like that which this man has encountered. It sows distrust of authority and in our society, it breeds passivity. Would you now carry a gun into New York, even if you knew it was “legal” with the risk of being sent to jail fo 3 years. Iimagine the conversation with your wife…

    This is what the left is accomplishing. They are shutting us down as citizens. Like the little kid being arrested for not having the appropriate permits when they are selling lemonade on the corner.

    A revolution is coming, but first, sadly, a war. We cannot exist together, this mindset and ours.

    There can only be one society, one set of laws.
    •∆•
    V-V

    Report Post » SweetDoug  
    • MetalPatriot
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 7:18pm

      @doug…unfortunately this would seem true. there’s precious few of us that recognize this. our enemies aren’t wearing recognizabe crowns, titles, & red coats this time.

      Mayor Bloomberg doesn’t have any problem being protected by men with guns, does he?

      We’re experiencing the worst hypocrisies imagineable, yet they’re getting worse.

      Report Post » MetalPatriot  
  • krazykat_randi
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:41pm

    I support this soldier, and I support the 2nd ammendment. The states do have the right to do many things on their own, but circumventing the Constitution is not one of them. If that were true, then states would be banning religions, removing the freedom of speech, etc. New York is running a scam. They ask people to be honest and declare that they have items like guns, and even when the item is secured in TSA approved manner, the people get arrested anyway. Then the gun is confiscated and sold to another New Yorker. How does that make sense? The only thing I see is that it doesn’t pay to be honest. If you are going to go to prison for trying to do the right thing, then you might as well not declare, and take your chances.

    Report Post » krazykat_randi  
  • theprofessor1031
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:38pm

    Actually Doctor, cities and states making regulations like these are already violating the 2nd amendment. They are only allowed to make laws regarding issues not specifically addressed in the Constitution. Since the 2nd amendment gives us the right to carry arms, no state or city can make a law contrary to that.

    Report Post » theprofessor1031  
  • Master_and_Commander
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:33pm

    aggghhhh, I hate NYC with a passion, almost as much as I hate San Fransisco. When will these atrocious anti-gun laws be challenged???

    Report Post »  
    • Todd P
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:41pm

      When we get a president who defends the Constitution and the Rule of Law.

      Romney 2012

      Report Post »  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:46pm

      They have been….But they are just ignored….

      Chicago and DC have literally come out and said their new anti gun laws won‘t hold up in court but they don’t care….They’ll just pass a different one limiting ownership each time the old one is struck down….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • matt1776
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 3:04pm

      The same Romney who supports an assault weapon ban? The same Romney who promised to not touch his states onerous gun control laws? I don’t know who the bigger idiot Romney, or you for thinking he is pro gun. But, I guess since he is PRO the guns you enjoy its OK, the rest of us can jump in a lake. He will only erode some of our freedom, not all of it, don’t worry.

      Report Post »  
    • GUNNSUP
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 7:49pm

      I sure hope this young devil gets some slack. Even if he is vindicated and has this thrown out, It’ll cost him a pretty hefty fine etc.

      People need to be vigilant of the carry laws of these lib cities & states. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near these places without a weapon when the SHTF…..

      Report Post » GUNNSUP  
    • tajloc
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 9:08am

      What scares me is the undercurrent of agreement that must exist in the NYPD to take away gun, act outraged (even tho they have a gun on their hips), and jail a hero. the arrogance of the police must exist towards the rest of the USA. The police in my town are supportive of gun ownership and hunt with the rest of us. Do you know that the largest standing army in the world is the American hunter. NY don’t wake the sleeping beast! Rom 8:28

      Report Post »  
  • bigfatslob
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:32pm

    Articles such as this will ensure that the vast majority of the armed services will back the RED states during our next civil war. Think about that tro !!s

    Report Post » bigfatslob  
  • Doctor Nordo
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:29pm

    That would be a completely un-Constitutional law, easily as much as negating 2nd Amendment rights in the first place. States have the right to maintain their sovereignty and implement their own laws. Making these laws so easy to bypass would enable people to register in States with minimal safety and training requirements to carry weapons in States that require higher standards. For example, some States allow convicted felons to own guns, but most others don’t. So what would keep a guy living in New York with a felony rap sheet from registering his weapon in a State like North Carolina and using it to keep his weapon in NY?

    It also sets precedent to open similar loopholes in non-gun related laws.

    Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
  • usmc1063
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:28pm

    New York State let alone New York City is standing on banana peal at the edge of a great precipice. Years of liberalism have driven this state to the edge and the ruling class progressives are ready to give it a last shove. As a gun owner who has a CWP I check before I leap into another state Especially NY and that rathole of violence Jersey. Hey Bloomberg give him his Ruger back and send him on his way. I’m sure he will never grace your city again.

    Report Post » usmc1063  
    • proantisocialist
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:44pm

      I went to new york on the 70′s and vowed never to return,and i never use capitals when writing about the dirtiest city in the states….

      Report Post » proantisocialist  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:50pm

      When they ran off tax paying citizens like Rush Limbaugh and the boast about it I knew it was finally over for that place…The final nail is in…the just haven’t got the hole filled yet… If it wasn’t for Wallstreet and to some extent Broadway….NYC would be just like Detroit….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 3:53pm

      Eagle I laughed when they hit “the rich” up for a huge tax increase and everyone left, leaving them with a huge deficit in their tax revenues. Do ya think it was by accident that one basketball player chose to play for Miami instead of new york, saving himself millions in taxes? When George Stienbrener passed away, new york didn’t have their tax laws set in place saving his family $300 million in taxes. Now you listen to how those complianing how they don’t have enough money to support the city. I can only laugh at the results of their greedy behavior.

      Report Post » JLGunner  
  • Miami
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:18pm

    So you can carry it but you can’t touch it…?

    New York is an insane place to live, It’s no wonder people there lose their minds

    Report Post » Miami  
  • jdog777
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:03pm

    We are not far from getting to place where all States will have to recognize the CHL’s for everyone. Keep putting pressure on these tyrannical States.

    Report Post »  
  • encinom
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:03pm

    Gun owners have a duty to know the local guns laws, this person, regardless of his prior job, failed the most basic rule of gun ownership. NYC is turning out to be an idiot test for gun owners, and the gun owners are proving to be idiots.

    Report Post »  
    • jdog777
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:17pm

      Fail…. The States have a DUTY to insure everyone’s rights are protected… ESPECIALLY those found in the Bill of Rights. A Paradigm shift in your thinking is in order.

      Report Post »  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:28pm

      Dude, your a jack ass….The Gun laws vary so much from state to state and requirement within states often conflict with on another to the point that no mater what you do your breaking the law….

      An idiot test? Good grief…..

      How did you even make it across the street as a kid and not get run over?

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • cuinsong
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:34pm

      The city and the state have an obligation to provide travelers a work around option to protect them from crime traps like the speed traps that have been found to be unlawful. This is wrong and should be challenged in the courts. Lib’s in NY are out of control just like Obama they think they can make any law or proclamation to force us into obedience like a good socialist population should act. Well I guess this is just another reason for me to use my music to enlighten people that something is amiss and we need to wake up’ pay attention and vote B.O. out. I wrote this song. it’s called “what’s wrong with this song” Because of all the B.S. that is part of this admin. We are under attack and are being regulated out of existence with unreasonable, unworkable stupid requirements. All with the help of congress which does nothing but wring their hands like they are impudent to stop Obama and his illegal czar’s http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_9134749

      Report Post » cuinsong  
    • Dadwithallthecoolstuff
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:36pm

      While you are correct in stating that it is the obligation of the person carrying the weapon to have knowledge of the law.The idea that if I cross an imaginary line on the ground,with no signage or warnings makes me a criminal is ludicris.NYS absolutley sucks with its gun laws,I live there.The places you would actually need a weapon( ie,the Mall ,Government buildings,the sewers..I mean cities..)The same bunch of bastards whose job is to enforce our right to these freedoms are the ones persecuting us for practicing them…I have nothing but contempt and disgust for these tyrannical bastards,the same ones that allow themselves the rights that they prosecute us for exercising….do you think that little puke Bloomberg is not armed or has security ?..What makes that election buying communist elitist little bastard so freaking special ? I will stand by the Marine and all the others who were exercising thier Constitutional right and end this ******** for good !

      Report Post » Dadwithallthecoolstuff  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:42pm

      DADWITHALLTHECOOLSTUFF

      Don’t forget that dip **** down in NC. The state senator who is one of the biggest anti gun nuts in the country….The same anti gun nut who shot an intruder in his own home….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 2:25pm

      Nutz

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
    • WYOMING4EVER
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 4:32pm

      Negative, the second amendment of the constitution over rules local law

      Report Post »  
    • ElephantHunter
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 4:43pm

      A few peole have already replied to youur post and pointed out very well that you might well be the Idiot, so I will not waste many letters and words.

      “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the Right of the PEOPLE to keep and bear arms, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.”

      If NY laws are not infringement than there is simply no such thing. What were the Founding Fathers saying when they wrote the Bill of Rights?
      Think before you write stupid things on blogs.
      As a Marine Veteran I am biased but I’ll be Praying for this DevilDogg, and finding a way to get him $
      for his defnse.
      SEMPER-FI

      Report Post »  
  • blackstone22
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:01pm

    I’m a native New Yorker and this story is such an embarrassment.
    What happened to basic common sense and looking at things on an individual basis?
    I bet the weenies that want to prosecute this honorable marine have not fought and risked their lives for this country.

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:55pm

    I still want Bloomberg to have to travel without armed bodyguards.

    How dare these anti-gun, hyocritical people be allowed to protected with weapons while a Marine and other private citizens face jail time for wanting the same right.

    Report Post »  
  • gmoneytx
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:52pm

    I thought New York was it’s own country now…

    Report Post » gmoneytx  
  • Soapymac
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:50pm

    You leathernecks aren’t the only ones who think those boobys in NYC have lost their beautiful minds. Having grown up in the birthplace of American Liberty, you can have my weapon only when you pry it out of my cold rigor mortised hands!.

    Report Post »  
  • eramthgin
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:48pm

    Why go to NY at all. If a state doesn’t recognize my CHL from Texas then I will not go there! I will never be subservent to the state! The founders added the 2nd amendment exactly because they were afraid of just such actions.

    Report Post » eramthgin  
  • your sensei
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:47pm

    One of the first things they teach you in CCW class is “Know the laws where you are.” This kid did not. Or he chose to ignore them. Either way, he has proven himself unqualified for a concealed carry permit. Do I think he should get three years in prison? Of course not. But he should have his CCW revoked.

    Lesson? You can’t carry a gun in NYC. Any questions? No? Good.

    Report Post » your sensei  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:02pm

      Unfortunantly, and I don’t know how, I agree with every part of your statement. (I can;t believe I said that) I don’t think he should have his permit revoked. They should just take the gun and fine him. He’s not a criminal, just got lazy using a cell phone to brush up on his reciprocity. Kinda like the folks using GPS, they won’t look out the window of thier car to see they have arrived, they just blindly keep making the left hand turns their garmin blurts out.

      Report Post » JLGunner  
    • OneTermPresident
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:06pm

      You always seem to go against the grain on nearly every topic here… Dear God.. please give YOUR SENSEI a tiny flaw… and a brain.

      Report Post » OneTermPresident  
    • jdog777
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:13pm

      I take great exception to your view. CCW is joke and is just another opportunity for a government to regulate the people in their God given right to defend themselves. In AZ…. you don’t need CCW to carry concealed, because it does NOTHING to hedge criminals from carrying firearms. All it does is put little yellow stars on those who choose to own guns and follow tyrannical laws. Our violent crime rate went down and continues to go down. The lesson learned here…. Never try to check in your gun and disarm yourself and NOBODY has the right to know whether you carry or not. If you think you must announce this to the world… then you don’t truly understand the 2nd amendment.

      Report Post »  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:37pm

      Most places don’t have separate gun laws for a City all to its self. The laws in NYC and NY state are different to the point of absurdity….

      The self entitled ****** that run the town put them selves above the constitution and the Federal laws you progressive/liberal folks so love to tout as trumping state/local rights…

      When its a mandatory requirement on health care, or the right to abortion, or the right to tax…You guys are ALL ABOUT federal laws….But then the feds say “you can own a gun”…..oh no!!!! Thats so unfair to the states…They have their rights….

      Spout off some BS about the first thing you learn in CCW class is “Know the laws where you are.”

      Many of these places structure them so you can’t know them, or make it inordinately difficult to find them. I have a good buddy, who is also a fellow USMC vet who‘s a cop in Jersey and he doesn’t even fully understand the CCW laws…But being a cop the rules bend a bit (as they should)..

      Not to mention you dim witted hypocrite….”

      Most states don’t require Veterans to take the CCW class as our training trumps the ********* 8 hour course that makes you think your sooooo in-tuned to what people should and shouldn’t know about CCW….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • your sensei
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 7:23pm

      EAGLENEST3000

      “Most states don’t require Veterans to take the CCW class as our training trumps the ********* 8 hour course that makes you think your sooooo in-tuned to what people should and shouldn’t know about CCW….”

      Manifestly not true, or we wouldn’t be having this discussion.

      Report Post » your sensei  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 8:54pm

      It shows how jacked up your thought process is…You hold the knowledge of the law about CCW, which isn’t greater than mine, over the knowledge of how to handle a weapon when it comes to gun safety….

      Does that make any sense to you? Some how you feel it is more important for people to understand every law in every state they may travel to because they might break, over them knowing how to actually safely handle, transport and operate a hand gun…..

      Unscrew your head a little I think it’s on too tight…

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • your sensei
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:44pm

      EAGLENEST 2000 (sorry, that last answer required that you be downgraded)

      Stay with me. Neither your comment that I reprised nor my comment made any distinction between knowledge of laws and knowledge of firearm operation. You need to know both. The more you speak, the more I’m convinced you know neither.

      If the PFC were such an expert, he would have known what to do when leaving his state of issue, especially when traveling to NYC.

      Report Post » your sensei  
    • thelowerslower
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 8:06pm

      I like that your straight to the point , but please do not refer to any member of the armed forces as a kid.

      Report Post »  
  • OneTermPresident
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:47pm

    Here’s a thought… The NRA should hold a 3000 gun checking rally in New York. What would they do then.. arrest 3000?

    Report Post » OneTermPresident  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:45pm

      They sure as hell would try…Freedom of speech in NYC? Only if your trying to build an insulting Mosque next the world trade center…Or poop on cop cars…..

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • mac410
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:58pm

      Eagle,

      If they held it in that private park, Zucotti or what ever it is called. That seems to be a free fire zone for NYC law enforcement. Anything seems to be okey dokey there.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:46pm

    Another example of the assault on America by the Obama system of justice; I hope this marine gets off with no problems. Watch for Holder and Napoletano to step in and declare him a domestic terrorist.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • OneTermPresident
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:44pm

    Are New York and California.. still part of the USA?

    Report Post » OneTermPresident  
    • your sensei
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:48pm

      They are the most important parts of the USA.

      Report Post » your sensei  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:03pm

      Uh, NO, they aren’t. Haven’t been for some time now. Cut `em loose.

      Report Post »  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:09pm

      Unfortunanly they are and you see the huge influence they have on our society. Ever hear Alec Baldwin and George Clooney open thier sewers?

      Report Post » JLGunner  
    • M1A2_Tanker
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:11pm

      “They are the most important parts of the USA”

      “The Anchor” Is NOT the most important part of this sinking ship!

      Report Post »  
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:12pm

      They are the most important parts of the USA

      …because they’re the states with the biggest populations, the ones furthest Left and the ones closest to Progressive-caused economic collapse which would likely lead to a nationwide economic collapse.

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • jdog777
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:23pm

      “They are the most important part of the USA”….. Yeah just like the belly button and toe nail is the most important part of the body.

      Report Post »  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 1:39pm

      YOUR SENSEI

      You really do just come on here to try and piss people off….

      Grow up…

      Report Post » eagle2715  
  • oriondma05
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:39pm

    Our government hard at work folks. They’ll gleefully follow the law to a T and punish a former service member but nearly break their backs to avoid prosecuting illegal aliens.

    America for…. Americans?

    Report Post » oriondma05  
    • turkey13
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:57pm

      The guy missed the notice that if he paid $1200.00 for a tempoary permit he would have been legal. I can‘t believe that the USA hasn’t found out that money talks and poor people walks. The whole state of N.Y. is on my no fly list. If I can‘t have my Carry permit recognized somewhere I won’t go there and if I can’t protect my family. One of these days I hope the people will elect a state Legislatore that will recognize the 2Nd Ammendment and other states Carry permits.m

      Report Post »  
  • lodgerat
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:38pm

    Mayor Bloomberg’s way of thanking Ryan Jerome for his service is to ruin his life over a mistake. I am now going to leatherneck.com to voice my concerns. Sure wish New York would treat illegal aliens as tough as they are wanting to treat this patriot. Semper Fi to my Brother Marine and God Bless

    Report Post » lodgerat  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:32pm

    Heres a warning to all that actually want to travel to New York City. If you own a firearm leave it at home. I won’t go to this hell hole because of their blatant disregard of the Second Amendment. Don’t think because you served in the Military they will have favorable eyes for you, they won’t. New York is full of nothing but progressives that fly the flag of tolerance, as long as ts only the things they want to be toleant of.

    Report Post » JLGunner  
  • kentuckypatriot
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:30pm

    I applaud the Marines support for one of their own, but what about the other people who had the misfortune of being in jail because they were honest. Will the Marines help them also? I’m thinking not.

    Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • CatB
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:36pm

      Perhaps they can get some precedent set … that would help others also … meanwhile I would stay out of NYC .. you are not allowed to protect yourself from armed criminals or any other place that does not accept your right to carry.

      Report Post »  
    • huckfinn28
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:58pm

      That’s your job! Civilian.

      Report Post » huckfinn28  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 2:03pm

      No offense Kentuckypatriot but it’s not the Marines Job to protect you, a civilian, from Bloomberg…In fact it’s unconstitutional….thats suppose to be the legislatures job…

      In this case, the Marines job is to protect their fellow Marine….Period…….Those guys have enough to worry about….Save that self righteous judgment for another person on another day….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
  • NewLife56
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 12:29pm

    The Liberal mindset in New York makes me want to vomit

    Report Post » NewLife56  
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