‘Justice should prevail’: Lawmakers lobby for Americans’ release

(NewsNation) — Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., is among a group of U.S. lawmakers who traveled to Turks and Caicos to push for the release of five Americans who were charged with carrying ammunition into the Caribbean islands.

“Justice should prevail,” Brecheen told “The Hill” host Blake Burman.

He added that he’d be “one of the loudest voices” urging the use of “every economic tool” if the Americans aren’t released.

Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., told NewsNation that he hopes the territory will consider what may happen if they continue to detain the tourists.

“But we’re hopeful that they’re aware of the unintended consequences, that they don’t want these unintended consequences. And they’ll revisit how they’re treating tourists who make a mistake with no obvious criminal attempt,” Good said. “Obviously, they weren’t trying to harm or threaten anyone when you’re carrying one or two stray bullets and you’re trying to leave the island, not even known as in your bag. Obviously, there’s no reason for you to be treated like a criminal who is coming with nefarious intent.”

Among the five Americans detained is Tyler Wenrich, 31, who pled guilty in court Tuesday. He could face a minimum 12-year prison sentence. Wenrich has been in Turks and Caicos since April 20. His father, Michael, said his son spent three days in jail and was moved to a prison, spending a total of 14 days behind bars.

Wenrich was released on bond and has been with his father since awaiting sentencing. He has said the bullets were “unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip” that went unnoticed by airport authorities when they left the United States. 

One American, Michael Lee Evans, has terminal cancer and was released for medical reasons.

That leaves Ryan Watson, Bryan Hagerich and Sharitta Shinise Grier still detained. Grier was visiting her daughter for Mother’s Day when she was detained.

Watson told NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo he didn’t think to check laws regarding ammunition before traveling.

“We were just worried about packing swimsuits and flip-flops and we had no need to look up their firearms and ammunition laws. I mean there we had no need and so this is all just a terrible terrible nightmare,” he said.

In Turks and Caicos, a British territory, firearms, weapons and stray bullets are not allowed. Local authorities strictly enforce firearms and ammunition-related laws.

Turks and Caicos said in a statement that it is “the travelers’ responsibility to ensure their baggage is free of” weapons and ammunition, which is “strictly forbidden” without prior permission.