Chris Pham, a 21-year-old resident of Honolulu, Hawaii, has been charged with illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced the charge following Pham's arrest on March 12, 2025. A detention hearing is set for March 20 in federal court.
Court documents reveal that law enforcement found Pham carrying a fully loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun with a defaced serial number and an additional magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition. A search of his residence led to the discovery of a machine gun conversion device designed to convert a semiautomatic handgun into a fully automatic one. Authorities had previously located an Instagram video showing Pham firing a fully automatic handgun into the air in public.
If convicted, Pham could face up to fifteen years in prison and fines reaching $250,000. It is important to note that the charge is an accusation, and Pham is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court. Sentencing would be determined by a United States District Judge based on statutory factors and advisory guidelines.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara D. Ayabe is prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. The initiative coordinates efforts from various Department of Justice programs including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
