Full Breakdown
Colombia Lifts Decade-Long Suspension on Firearm Carry Permits
9/10/2026, 8:34:50 AM
Core Event: Decree Restores Carry Rights
President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Decree 1368, ending the suspension on public carrying of firearms that had been in place since December 2015. The decree reactivates previously approved carry permits, allowing permit-holders to transport their registered weapons outside the home, provided the permits remain valid and no individual suspension applies.
Background & Context
The original suspension was introduced by President Juan Manuel Santos in December 2015 as a temporary security measure for the holiday season. It was renewed annually by Presidents Iván Duque and Gustavo Petro, despite their differing political orientations. President de la Espriella campaigned on an “iron-fist” approach to crime and pledged to restore the right of “good citizens” to defend themselves.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 700,000 Colombians already hold legal firearm permits; the decree will affect this group.
- Security forces seized 15,700 firearms linked to organized crime between January 1 and September 3, 2026.
- Indumil’s catalog lists the domestic Córdova Standard pistol at about 5.47 million Colombian pesos (US$1,765) and the Compact version at 5.53 million pesos (US$1,785). Imported models range from 5.40 million pesos (Smith & Wesson M&P9) to 6.54 million pesos (Glock 19).
- Applicants must be at least 25 years old and satisfy background checks, a medical fitness certificate, proof of firearms knowledge, and a military interview.
Official Statements & Responses
He reiterated that strict controls, background checks and permit requirements will remain, and that forces are targeting illegal firearms, having seized more than 15,000 this year. The decree will take effect the day after publication in the Official Gazette, and the earlier decrees 2362 of 2018 and 1482 of 2025 will be repealed after December 31, 2026.
Criticism & Opposition
Green Alliance Party Senator Ariel Ávila called the change a “grave error,” warning that legally held guns could end up in criminal hands and that only state forces should carry weapons. Former President Gustavo Petro warned that “In Colombia, an armed populace could result in total massacre.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Following the announcement, the state-owned firearms manufacturer Indumil experienced a multi-hour website outage. Military sources cited either an overloaded server due to a surge in public inquiries or a possible cyberattack, but no official technical report has confirmed either cause. The lack of a definitive explanation leaves uncertainty about the incident’s nature.
Why It Matters
The policy shift tests the balance between individual self-defense rights and public-security concerns in a country with a long history of armed conflict. Tracking permit applications, firearm sales, and subsequent seizure data will indicate whether legal firearms contribute to illicit channels or enhance personal safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In Colombia, an armed populace could result in total massacre.” — Gustavo Petro, former president
