March 10, 2020

For immediate release

Roosevelt Twyne’s Wrongful Arrest is NJ’s Latest Example of “Arrest First, Investigate Later”

Springfield, VA – Gun Owners of America (GOA) expressed outrage over the arrest of Roosevelt Twyne, an armored car security guard who was arrested by Roselle Park police officers for possession of hollow point ammunition, among other charges. Consequently, GOA’s Senior Vice President, Erich Pratt, issued the following statement:

“The arrest of Twyne is deeply disturbing. He did not commit any heinous act, but he was arrested anyway — despite being in compliance with New Jersey’s numerous and unconstitutional gun control laws.

“This incident is an example of how draconian and complex New Jersey’s gun laws are. New Jersey police either ignorantly or willfully targeted private gun ownership, and their approach of ‘arrest first, investigate later’ goes against the founding principles of our country.

“This is not the first time that New Jersey police have discriminated against gun ownership. Consider that Shaneen Allen was arrested and spent forty days in jail for simply having a handgun. Steffon L. Josey was also arrested for a legally-owned firearm that was discovered during a traffic stop.

“Perhaps the saddest result of this case is that Twyne’s future is forever tarnished. While Allen and Josey were pardoned, it is extremely unlikely that Gov. Phil Murphy will pardon Twyne, or that the arresting officers will face any punishment or remedial training for their overreach.”

Erich Pratt, or another GOA spokesperson, is available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.

— GOA —