Ecuadorian President Allows Armed Citizens to Fight Crime

The “gun movement” is sweeping through Latin America, and it looks like a healthy and positive “gun culture” is taking hold. 

That’s a good thing, let’s hope that sentiment continues… and right now, in the country of Ecuador, we’re seeing a “Good Guy With a Gun” philosophy growing. 

So much so that the president of Ecuador will now allow armed citizens to fight crime.

Big League Politics reported that On April 2, 2023, Ecuadorian Guillermo Lasso announced an authorization that allowed civilians to carry and use firearms as crime is increasing across the country.

According to a Reuters report, crime has reached a point where it has become difficult to tame. The Lasso government believes that arming lawful individuals will help his government fight this surging crime wave.

As he announced this policy, Lasso stated, “We have a common enemy: petty crime, drug trafficking, and organized crime.”

“We’ve modified the decree that allows the possession and carrying of guns,” he continued. “In other words, in general terms … the possession and carrying of guns for civilian use in personal defense is authorized, in accordance with the requirements of law and regulations.”

Per a report by Uruguayan outlet MercoPress, Lasso initially declared a state of emergency “in the provinces of Santa Elena (west), Los Ríos (center), and in Zone 8, which includes the cities of Guayaquil, Durán, and Samborondón in the coastal province of Guayas (southwest).” AWR Hawkins noted that the  “impacted cities and provinces were placed under a 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. curfew.”

On top of the curfew and the measure to allow for civilians to be armed, Lasso announced that his government is launching a “crusade for security,” which involved locating and arresting “15 high-value targets” who are suspected to be connected to the heads of criminal gangs.

Many supporters believe this is just another way to battle crime and allow citizens an opportunity to take part in making their communities a better place.

What do you think about this idea?

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