Tony Matterhorn’s firearm seized over social media comments

Oshin Levy, the corporate communications officer of the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), is encouraging licensed firearm holders to be wary of how they conduct themselves on social media.

His comments follow the seizure of a firearm belonging to popular dancehall selector Tony Matterhorn by the FLA after he allegedly hurled threats at a popular dancehall artiste.

"We can confirm that the selector is the subject of an investigation at the FLA based on a report that was made regarding some violent messages shared by (Mr) Matterhorn on social media. His firearm has been seized, as was confirmed by our director, and we continue with due process. Once a decision is made, the outcome will be relayed to the (firearm) holder," Levy told THE STAR.

"We implore our holders to be responsible in terms of how they express themselves in the public space and the messages that they send because it may have grave implication," Levy said.

"We are not attacking or coming against entertainers or public figures. We are pleading to licensed firearm holders overall to just be careful of what they say on social media."

Alludes to misconduct

Levy explained that when a report is received by the FLA that alludes to misconduct by a licensed firearm holder, assessments are done and an investigation is launched. If the investigation determines that the holder is unfit to bear arms, that privilege would be revoked.

"When a report is received, we assess before launching an investigation because sometimes people can be mischievous. But once we have assessed and taken further action, then we allow our compliance and investigation team to carry out due process and pass on the case to the board. The board then assesses everything that is presented and arrives at a decision," the FLA spokesperson added.

Section 29 of the Firearm Act states that a permit, certificate or licence will not be granted to a person whom the FLA believes to be of 'intemperate habits or unsound mind', or is 'unfitted to be entrusted with a firearm or ammunition'.

The timeline on the decision regarding Matterhorn's case is not immediately known as the FLA has advised that each case is handled differently. When contacted, Matterhorn said he had no comment on the issue.