Re-registration of private firearms reaches 81%.

Brazil Agency - The Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino, stated this Monday (20) that the ministry has reached the goal of re-registering more than 80% of private weapons in the country. Of a total of 762.365 weapons registered in the Military Weapons Management System (Sigma), maintained by the Army, 613.834 have been re-registered so far. This number represents 81% of the total. The deadline ends on April 3rd and, according to Dino, will not be extended.

“There will be no confiscation of weapons that are re-registered, but rather of those that are not re-registered. In April, when we have the conclusion, the weapons that are not re-registered will be subject to administrative seizure and referral to the Federal Police [PF] so that they can initiate the appropriate police investigations related to these weapons,” the minister explained during a press conference in Brasília.

Sigma is the system that registers firearms in the name of so-called CACs (Hunters, Shooters, and Collectors). The other national system for registering civilian firearms, Sinarm, maintained by the Federal Police, registers weapons belonging to private security companies, civil police officers, municipal guards, and individuals with authorization to possess or carry firearms.

The current re-registration process, which began in February, is being carried out by the Federal Police and will consolidate all information on civilian weaponry into the National Firearms Registry (SINARM) from now on. This was mandated by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who suspended, by decree, the registration for the acquisition and transfer of restricted-use weapons and ammunition by CACs (Collectors, Shooters, and Hunters).

According to Dino, after the re-registration phase is complete, a proposed new decree with rules on the acquisition of weapons, obtaining possession or carrying permits, and the operation of shooting clubs will be presented to the President of the Republic. The topic will also be discussed through public hearings in the National Congress.

Restricted use

Despite having met the overall target for re-registering firearms registered to CACs (Collectors, Shooters, and Hunters), the Minister of Justice reported that the percentage is lower for restricted-use firearms. In this case, out of a total of 62.870 restricted-use firearms registered in Brazil in the names of civilians, only 33 have been re-registered, slightly more than half.

“We have a higher percentage of registrations for permitted firearms and a lower percentage for restricted firearms. This is the warning; there are 14 days left, and this deadline will not be extended,” he emphasized. Restricted firearms are those for the exclusive use of the Armed Forces, public security forces, and also by CACs (Collectors, Shooters, and Hunters). They are typically weapons with greater destructive power, such as automatic pistols, machine guns, rifles, among others.

Rio Grande do Norte

During the press conference, Dino also addressed the cases of violence in Rio Grande do Norte perpetrated by a criminal faction. Since the 14th, the state has been facing a public security crisis, with more than 252 attacks against the population, public buildings, businesses, and vehicles. Earlier, Dino announced the release of R$ 100 million in investments to reinforce security in the state, including resources for expanding the prison system and re-equipping the police. According to Dino, there are currently about 700 agents from the National Security Force supporting the state's visible policing operations.

“We have a situation of progressive control of the violence. We had nights, days with more than 100 incidents of attacks. This morning, we had about five. So, we have a situation of effective decrease in indicators, showing the growing effectiveness of this joint action of the federal government with the government of Rio Grande do Norte,” he stated. According to Dino, the security crisis should not extend beyond the borders of Rio Grande do Norte and, soon, the minister expects “total control” of the situation. The support of the National Force will continue in the state indefinitely.