President Abelardo de la Espriella Lifts General Suspension on Weapon Carrying Permits

President Abelardo de la Espriella has lifted the general suspension of permits for carrying weapons, a move that fulfills a campaign promise. The new Decree 188 restores the validity of existing individual carrying permits but does not establish a general right to carry weapons without requirements; permits and controls remain in place. The president justified the decision by stating that decent people should be able to defend themselves while criminals remain armed.

Reports on the decision highlight a conflict between public perception and official data. While a survey by the Red Cómo Vamos indicates that security is a primary concern for Bogotanos, District figures show reductions in homicides, sexual crimes, and thefts. Police data from Bogotá indicates that the majority of thefts were committed without weapons, with firearms used in only 6.3 percent of cases. Despite this, a study by the Central and Libre universities found that 50 percent of Bogotanos would be willing to take justice into their own hands.

Legal experts warn that carrying a weapon does not guarantee a legal defense. According to Andrés Nieto of the Universidad Central, proving legitimate defense requires demonstrating proportionality and an imminent risk to life. Other experts suggest that this policy represents a failure of the state to guarantee security, effectively leaving protection in the hands of private individuals.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the impact of weapon availability on domestic violence. Data from Medicina Legal recorded 12,930 women at risk of feminicide in 2024, with 38.6 percent at extreme risk. Research indicates that the presence of a firearm in the home can increase the risk of homicide and suicide, particularly for women in abusive relationships.