Bolsonaro loosens gun laws in Brazil, world murder capital
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a decree making it easier for many Brazilians to own firearms, the first of many expected changes by the nascent administration to overhaul gun laws in the nation that leads the world in total homicides.
Bolsonaro signed the decree in a televised ceremony in the capital of Brasilia, arguing that it and other changes expected to be pushed in Congress would help people defend themselves. The former army captain and far-right leader said his electoral win last year was a sign that citizens in Latin America's largest nation wanted to arm themselves.
"The people decided in favor of buying guns and ammunition and we can't deny what the people want at this moment," said Bolsonaro, who during the campaign often made pistol gestures to supporters with his fingers.
