The number of firearms in the hands of CACs (hunters, marksmen, and collectors) reached 1 million in July.
These categories have been the most benefited by rules enacted during Bolsonaro's government, which have facilitated the arming of the population.
The total growth was 187% compared to 2018, before the current government. There were 1,006,725 weapons by July this year in the possession of CACs, compared to 350,683 in 2018. This new amount is currently being carried by 673,818 CACs.
Army data were obtained via the Access to Information Law by the 'Sou da Paz' and Igarapé institutes.
Despite the increase in the number of weapons in the hands of CACs, the Army admitted to being unable to produce detailed reports on the types of weapons and calibers currently in the hands of these categories.
One of the mottos of Bolsonaro's administration has been to facilitate the purchase of weapons. In addition to encouraging ordinary citizens to arm themselves, it has given them access to more powerful calibers.
Translated by Cassy Dias