Two brothers placed in preventive detention after public shooting in Iquique, Chile

Two men, identified as brothers aged 18 and 22, were formally charged with illegal firearm possession, unjustified public shootings and vehicle damage following a midnight incident in Iquique on 23 February 2026. Around 03:00 h, the suspects allegedly fired at least eight rounds outside a residence, damaging a parked car but causing no reported injuries to the occupants or nearby residents.

Police investigations by Carabineros linked the brothers to the attack, seized the weapon and associated ammunition, and presented the case to the tribunal. The court ordered preventive detention for both suspects while the investigation proceeds. Authorities highlighted the episode as a reminder of the dangers posed by firearms being used in public spaces and pledged continued investigative work to determine motives and any additional responsibility.