Child in State Police Uniform, Toy Gun in Hand, Poses for Pictures With Bolsonaro

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The boy came to point the fake weapon upwards, a gesture that garnered a positive response from the president.

Bolsonaro met the boy during the graduation ceremony of state police sergeants in the Anhembi Sambadrome, North Zone of the capital.

In his speech, Bolsonaro praised the state police. “Others who preceded me criticized the action of the police. I salute and praise you. Here, there and anywhere in Brazil and the world. I acknowledge your heroism,” he said.

It is not the first time this year that children turn up displaying replicas of guns in public events in São Paulo. Article 26 of the Disarmament Statute bans the manufacture, trade, sale, and import of toys, replicas and firearm simulations.

The exception provided for in the 2003 law is granted solely for instruction, training or collection by authorized users. There is, however, no regulation on carrying.

In the Parade of July 9th, when São Paulo commemorates the Constitutionalist Revolution, uniformed children showed toy weapons during the official presentation in front of the ‘Obelisco Mausoléu aos Heróis de 1932’ monument, in Ibirapuera.

On this occasion, the Prosecutor’s Office of São Paulo opened a civil inquiry to investigate the use of replicas of firearms by children.

Questioned at the time, the State Police’s spokespersons guaranteed that the weapons were not real and that parents would be advised not to let their children carry toy weapons in future parades.

The PM further said that it “values the children who are proud to wear the uniform of their true heroes” and that it “motivates the children to parade in the tribute to July 9th as a way to encourage their patriotism and civism”.

Doria is booed, and Bolsonaro is applauded

The president stood on stage next to the governor of São Paulo, João Doria, and the Minister of the Environment, Ricardo Sales.

Governor Doria was booed on two occasions when his name was announced by the master of ceremonies. However, later he managed to garner applause throughout his speech, mainly after saying “the best State Police in Brazil is in São Paulo”.

The President of the Republic was applauded by the public on several occasions.

Bolsonaro and Doria are virtual opponents in the presidential race in 2022 and have recently distanced themselves.

Source: G1, UOL