President Lula announces drastic measures for gun control and public safety

This Friday, the 21st, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) announced a set of measures aimed at public security. Among them, a new decree for gun control stands out, encompassing issues of ammunition and CACs.

This ceremony also saw the release of funds from the National Public Security Fund (FNSP) to the states and the Federal District. For the year 2023, the amount to be made available exceeds the figure of R$1 billion. Another point decreed by the president was the measure that provides for a salary increase for police and military firefighters in the Federal District.

_{Moment of signature of the decree. (Photo: Reproduction/Valor Econômico)}

Less ammo

Earlier this week, the Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino, announced that the new decree on weapons will have as its main purpose to reduce the amount of ammunition in circulation in Brazil.

In addition to addressing ammunition control, the purpose of the decree is to prohibit shooting clubs from operating 24 hours a day and restrict the possibility of sports shooters traveling with loaded weapons.

The minister stated that there would be no elimination of carrying weapons and that people could still seek police institutions to obtain possession. However, he stressed that a “general release” would not be allowed in which people pretend to be collectors, sport shooters or hunters only to acquire rifles indiscriminately.

CACs

The decree presents stricter measures in relation to the acquisition of weapons and ammunition by CACs (Collectors, Shooters and Hunters). For sport shooters, there is no longer a universal limit on gun ownership and carrying; instead, different categories are established based on the athlete’s degree of participation in training and competition. The higher the engagement, the more weapons and ammo can be acquired.

Another significant change relates to the calibers available for purchase by civilians. Shotguns of any caliber and 9mm, .40 and .45 ACP pistols are again considered calibers of restricted use, reserved only for defense and security forces.

In addition, the authorization for CACs to transit with their loaded weapons is revoked. The decree also provides for the implementation of a weapons buyback program in 2023.

Featured Photo: President Lula. Photo: Reproduction/Diário do Nordeste