Gun Advocate Says .223 Ban Never Made Sense

As Belize continues to struggle with gun violence, the decision to lift the ban on .223 rifles is stirring fresh debate, and not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea. When the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board ended its moratorium on the high‑powered rifles, concerns quickly followed about what that could mean for public safety. Officials say the move makes sense, especially for cattle farmers who rely on firearms to protect livestock from predators. Critics, however, warn that easing restrictions sends the wrong message at a dangerous time. Now, gun retailer and outspoken advocate Abner Murillo is stepping into the discussion, pushing back against the criticism. He argues the fears are overblown, pointing out that .223 rifles have not been linked to criminal activity in Belize. Murillo also questions why the moratorium was imposed in the first place and says it never should have been. He shared his perspective with us today.

 

On the Phone: Abner Murillo, Owner, Locked ‘n Loaded Guns and Ammo

“For the two-two-three caliber, you have many uses including farm use, recreational use. Many people use it to protect their farms against coyotes or certain animals. You have recreational shooting, you have hunting. They’re excellent for hunting smaller game meat or medium sized game meat. And if you once again look at the facts, it has never been a matter of – it has never been a matter of public security because there hasn’t been anything to warrant any concerns of public security? There hasn’t been shootings with license two- two-threes. I believe there’s one or two incidents of brandishing since, the, those firearms were introduced to the public here in Belize. I think that the board made a decision based on facts once again and based on actual knowledge and not just personal opinion. So we definitely support the removal of a moratorium that wasn’t necessary in the first place, and there wasn’t anything in the first place to warrant such a moratorium. There is nothing there to say, okay, this is a matter of public security and let’s put a moratorium on it.”

 

After the moratorium was introduced in February 2024, there was supposed to execute an audit and review. That audit has still not been completed.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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