Order closes a workplace policy gap, strengthens safety standards, and supports the Territory’s broader effort to modernize firearm carry laws
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 546-2026, establishing a clear and commonsense policy for the carrying of firearms in government buildings and workspaces across the Territory.
The executive order amends Executive Order No. 54-1961, the longstanding policy governing the responsibilities and conduct of Government of the Virgin Islands officers and employees. The new policy will be incorporated into the Government Employees Handbook and will apply to government employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public in government buildings and interior offices.
Governor Bryan said the order addresses a basic but important issue. Government buildings are public workplaces where residents seek services, employees carry out essential duties, and official proceedings take place. Until now, the Government of the Virgin Islands did not have a uniform policy governing the presence of firearms in those spaces.
“Government has a responsibility to look ahead, identify gaps, and act before those gaps become problems,” Governor Bryan said. “This executive order is a practical, commonsense step to make sure our employees, residents, and visitors know what to expect when they enter a government facility. These are places where the public’s business is conducted, and clear safety standards matter.”
Under the order, officers and employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands, contractors, visitors, and members of the public may not carry, possess, or have a firearm or ammunition in any government building or interior office, including adjacent secured areas used for official proceedings. The restriction applies regardless of whether an individual has an active concealed carry license or any other firearm license.
The order provides two limited exceptions. It does not apply to duly sworn law enforcement or peace officers acting within the scope of their official duties. It also allows a licensed gun owner to receive a limited Attorney General Government Building Waiver when there is a specific need and when safety considerations justify it. Such waivers must be approved in writing by both the Attorney General of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Police Commissioner, must be for a specified purpose, may not exceed 12 months, and may be revoked in writing by the Attorney General at any time.
“This policy respects the difference between responsible firearm ownership and the need to maintain safe, orderly public facilities,” Governor Bryan said. “It does not take away anyone’s rights. It simply makes clear that government buildings are not ordinary spaces. They are workplaces, service centers, hearing rooms, offices, and places where sensitive public matters are handled every day.”
For purposes of the order, a government building includes any permanent or temporary structure, or portion of a structure, owned, leased, operated, or controlled by the Government of the Virgin Islands and used for official government functions. That includes administrative offices, executive branch agency buildings, semi-autonomous agency buildings, legislative facilities, courthouses, hearing rooms, judicial and quasi-judicial chambers, interior corridors, lobbies, secured screening areas, and rooms or spaces where government employees perform their official duties.
Employee violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal, in addition to any other remedies available under law.
The executive order comes as the Territory continues its broader work to update and modernize its firearm carry laws. Earlier this year, the Bryan-Roach Administration proposed the Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety Act, a comprehensive measure to update the Virgin Islands Code and provide clearer rules for firearm ownership, licensing, registration, concealed carry, safe storage, and sensitive places where firearms may not be carried.
That proposal was developed in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Justice and with the support of Senators Angel Bolques and Clifford Joseph. It reflects several years of work to create a modern firearm framework that is clear, enforceable, and suited to the needs of the Virgin Islands.
Governor Bryan said the executive order is part of the same forward-looking approach.
“We cannot govern by waiting for confusion or conflict to force our hand,” Governor Bryan said. “Responsible leadership means putting clear policies in place before there is a crisis. This order gives employees, residents, visitors, agency heads, and law enforcement a consistent rule to follow.”
The Governor said his administration will continue working with the Legislature, the Department of Justice, the Virgin Islands Police Department, and other stakeholders to advance firearm laws that protect rights, support public safety, and give the community clear guidance.
“This is the kind of practical work government is supposed to do,” Governor Bryan said. “It is not complicated. Employees deserve safe workplaces. Residents deserve safe public offices. Law enforcement deserves clear rules. And the public deserves a government willing to act thoughtfully and ahead of the curve.”
Executive Order No. 546-2026 takes effect upon execution.
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