Jair Bolsonaro's seized firearm jeopardizes extension of his house arrest

A pistol registered to former president Jair Bolsonaro was confiscated during a traffic checkpoint in Brasília on June 15. The firearm was found in the vehicle of his security guard, who said it was being taken for repair. The seizure has prompted Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes to question whether Bolsonaro will receive a further 90‑day extension of his humanitarian house arrest, which is set to expire on June 25. Moraes gave the former president’s defense 24 hours to explain why the weapon was being handled so close to the end of the current confinement period.

The Federal Police of the Distrito Federal has scheduled a video‑conference hearing for June 24 to hear Bolsonaro about the incident. The gun was seized because the guard lacked the mandatory firearm registration certificate. Bolsonaro’s lawyers argue the weapon was legally possessed and rendered inoperable. Police officials reported difficulties in serving a personal summons, as Bolsonaro’s escort team blocked the attempt. The authorities have asked Moraes to formalise the hearing and decide on any further restrictions.

The case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of Bolsonaro’s compliance with court‑imposed measures and may influence the decision on his continued house arrest.