Puerto Rico — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

expand all collapse all

StockpilesGun Numbers
Civilian GunsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.
Compare
Number of Privately Owned FirearmsChartThe estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in Puerto Rico is 

2017: 422,0001
2010: 800,0002 3
2001: 6,000,002
: 
Compare
Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 PopulationChartThe estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in Puerto Rico is 

2017: 12.592
2010: 22
2001: 15.71
Compare
Proportion of Adults Living in a Home With a GunIn Puerto Rico, the percentage of adults living in a household with a firearm is reported to be 

2001: 6.7%4 3
Compare
Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit FirearmsChartUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,5 but in Puerto Rico there are estimated to be 

2010: 380,0006
: 
Compare
Estimated Rate of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms per 100 PopulationUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,5 but in Puerto Rico the rate of such firearms per 100 people is estimated to be 

2010: 10.457
Government GunsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.
Compare
Number of Military FirearmsThe defence forces of Puerto Rico are reported to have 12,0008 firearms
Compare
Number of Law Enforcement FirearmsPolice in Puerto Rico are reported to have 26,0009 8 firearms

ImpactsDeath and InjuryCompare
Total Number of Gun DeathsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual deaths resulting from firearms total 

64910
638
58610
65810
856
912
1,043
92211
857
777
696
707
489
700
680
660
617 
Compare
Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is 

19.0210
18.37
16.58
18.33
23.54
24.79
28.03
22.91
20.66
18.40
18.58
12.80
18.29
17.77
17.28
16.19
19	
24.77
: 
Compare
Total Number of Male Gun DeathsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual male deaths resulting from firearms total 

61810
595
554
624
813
856
992
881
824
737
664
677
457
666
645
626
574
Compare
Rate of Male Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of male gun death per 100,000 population is 

38.0610
35.93
32.81
36.33
46.70
48.56
55.64
Compare
Total Number of Female Gun DeathsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual female deaths resulting from firearms total 

3110
43
32
34
43
56
51
41
33
40
32
30
32
34
35
34
43
Compare
Rate of Female Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of female gun death per 100,000 population is 

1.7310
2.37
1.73
1.82
2.27
2.92
2.63
Compare
Homicides (any method)Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual homicides by any means total 

61612
52913
606
641
729
70414
614
704
924
1,015
1,179
1,030
956
874
774
783
825
843
818
820
802
1,320
59315
652
724
868
864 
Compare
Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

19.312
18.4913
20.66
21.09
23.04
20.6414
17.62
19.92
25.74
27.91
32.04
27.68
24.70
21.59
19
19.94
21.1
21.65
21.1
21.25
20.9
19.24
15.615
17.2
19.3
23.3
23.3
Compare
Male Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual male homicides by any means total 

64814
576
652
871
932
1,097
966
900
810
724
738
759
775
759
757
733
1,320
Compare
Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of male homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

39.9114
34.78
38.61
50.71
53.53
62.23
54.18
47.28
42.24
37.60
Compare
Female Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual female homicides by any means total 

5614
36
52
53
83
82
64
56
64
50
45
66
68
59
63
69
Compare
Rate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of female homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

3.1314
1.98
2.82
2.83
4.38
4.28
3.30
2.81
2.94
2.76
Compare
Gun HomicidesBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual firearm homicides total 

63113
556
630
830
905
1,036
923
824
713
617
69215
67016 
Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

19.2213
16.44
18.24
22.50
24.50
27.90
24.80
22.03
18.96
16.31
18.315
17.2716
Compare
Proportion of Homicides Committed With a GunChartIn Puerto Rico, the percentage of homicides committed with a firearm is reported to be 

91%17
88%
87%
90%
94.8%15
Compare
Male Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual male firearm homicides total 

53513
598
789
849
985
882
792
676
588
Compare
Rate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of male firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

30.3013
33.80
44.50
47.80
55.30
49.40
Compare
Female Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual female firearm homicides total 

3313
33
41
56
51
40
32
37
29
Compare
Rate of Female Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of female firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

1.5310
2.18
1.65
1.68
2.08
2.80
2.40
1.86
Compare
Suicides (any method)Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual suicides by any means total 

28210
210
262
250
281
270
293
320
357
337
300
311
332
317
301
334
356 
Compare
Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

010
0
8.41
6.16
7.54
7.07
7.83
7.43
7.96
8.60
Compare
Male Suicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual male suicides by any means total 

24310
190
237
217
241
226
247
274
328
288
254
288
287
293
279
298
326
Compare
Rate of Male Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of male suicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

15.2610
11.70
14.31
12.85
14.03
12.98
14.01
15.37









Compare
Female Suicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual female suicides by any means total 

3910
20
2510
33
40
44
46
46
29
49
46
23
45
24
22
36
30
Compare
Rate of Female Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of female suicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

2.2210
1.12
1.38
1.79
2.14
2.32
2.40
2.37
Compare
Gun SuicidesBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual firearm suicides total 

3510
23
36
30
40
24
35
3411
26
37
29
45
44
38
39
4516
51 
Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is 

1.0310
0.66
1.02
0.84
1.10
0.65
0.94
Compare
Male Gun Suicide VictimsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual male firearm suicides total 

3110
22
36
29
37
22
31
33
26
35
26
44
39
37
39
43
48
Compare
Rate of Male Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of male firearm suicide per 100,000 population is 

1.9510
1.35
2.17
1.72
2.15
1.26
1.76
1.85
Compare
Female Gun Suicide VictimsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual female firearm suicides total 

410
1
1
3
2
4
1
2
3
1
5
1
2
3
Compare
Rate of Female Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of female firearm suicide per 100,000 population is 

0.2310
0.06
0.05
0.16
0.11
0.21
0.05
Compare
Unintentional Gun DeathsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual unintentional shooting deaths total 

310
7
9
15
20
28
56
1911
6
27
48
29
12
22
20
1916
9 
Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is 

0.0910
0.21
0.26
0.42
0.56
0.77
1.52
0.51
Compare
Unintentional Male Gun DeathsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual unintentional male shooting deaths total 

310
6
8
14
19
27
56
17
6
26
48
24
11
20
16
16
7
Compare
Rate of Unintentional Male Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of unintentional male shooting death per 100,000 population is 

0.1910
0.37
0.48
0.83
1.11
1.55
3.18
0.95
Compare
Unintentional Female Gun DeathsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual unintentional female shooting deaths total 

110
1
1
1
1
0
2
1
5
1
2
4
3
2
Compare
Rate of Unintentional Female Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of unintentional female shooting death per 100,000 population is 

0.0610
0.06
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.10
Compare
Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

110
3
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
4
4 
Compare
Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is 

010
0
0
0.03
0.09
0
0
0
0
0
Compare
Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn Puerto Rico, annual male shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

310
010
0
0
0
0
2
3
4
Compare
Rate of Male Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of unknown-cause male shooting deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.1810
Compare
Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn Puerto Rico, annual female shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

110
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
Compare
Rate of Female Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of unknown-cause female shooting deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.0610

ProductionGun Industry

Compare
Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Puerto Rico, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence¹⁸ ¹⁹ ²⁰ ²¹ ²² ²³

TransfersGun Trade and TraffickingCompare
Firearm ImportsIn Puerto Rico, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law18 19 
Compare
Smuggling Guns and AmmunitionReports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Puerto Rico is high24 25 26
Compare
Regulation of Arms BrokersIn Puerto Rico, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law27
Compare
End User CertificatesCustoms regulations in Puerto Rico do not include27 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun RegulationCompare
Firearm Regulation - Guiding PolicyThe regulation of guns in Puerto Rico is categorised as restrictive28
Firearm LawGuiding gun control legislation in Puerto Rico includes the Arms Act of 2000, Chapter 51A29
Firearm Regulation AuthorityGuns in Puerto Rico are regulated by the the Police Superintendent30 and the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury19 26
Compare
Right to Possess FirearmsIn Puerto Rico, the right to private gun ownership is conditionally guaranteed by the US Constitution,31 as limited by federal law32 and state law33
Compare
Restricted Firearms and AmmunitionIn Puerto Rico, civilians are not allowed to possess machine guns, automatic firearms, sawn-off shotguns of less than eighteen (18) inches or armour-piercing ammunition34 35 36 37
Compare
Regulation of Automatic WeaponsIn Puerto Rico, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited34 35 36
Compare
Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault WeaponsIn Puerto Rico, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence37 35
Compare
Regulation of HandgunsIn Puerto Rico, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence37 38
Compare
Law Regulates Long GunsIn Puerto Rico,  civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law37 35
Compare
Gun Ownership and PossessionIn Puerto Rico, only licensed gun owners39 30 20 34 40 41 42 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition
Compare
Minimum Age for Firearm PossessionThe minimum age for gun ownership in Puerto Rico is 21 years30 (with exceptions for hunting or sport)43
Compare
Gun Owner Background ChecksAn applicant for a firearm licence in Puerto Rico must pass a background check which considers criminal, mental health and addiction30 44 45 records
Compare
Reference Required for Firearm LicenceIn Puerto Rico, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required30
Compare
Partner to be Advised or InterviewedIn Puerto Rico, licensing authorities are not required27 to conduct interviews with, or to advise an applicant's spouse, partner, or next of kin before issuing a gun licence
Compare
Domestic Violence and FirearmsWhere a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Puerto Rico stipulates44 30 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked
Compare
Firearm Safety TrainingIn Puerto Rico, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required30 38  for a firearm licence
Compare
Gun Owner Licensing PeriodIn Puerto Rico, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every five years30 38
Compare
Licensing RecordsIn Puerto Rico, authorities maintain a record20 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition
Compare
Limit on Number of GunsLicensed firearm owners in Puerto Rico are permitted to possess two firearms, with exceptions for hunting or sport30 46
Compare
Limit on Quantity, Type of AmmunitionLicensed firearm owners in Puerto Rico are permitted to possess only 50 rounds of ammunition per calendar year (with exceptions for hunting or sport)23 47 
Firearm Registration
Compare
Civilian Gun RegistrationIn Puerto Rico, the law requires20 48 42 40 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register
Compare
Gun Dealer Record KeepingIn Puerto Rico, licensed firearm dealers are required19 21 48 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority
Compare
Gun Manufacturer Record KeepingIn Puerto Rico, licensed gun makers are required19 21  to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority
Gun Sales and Transfers
Compare
Regulation of Private Gun SalesIn Puerto Rico, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited unless conducted and registered by a licensed firearm dealer48 30 20 23
Compare
Regulation of Dealer Gun SalesIn Puerto Rico, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful18 19 49 21 48 20 50 23 
Compare
Regulation of Gun ShowsIn Puerto Rico, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated27 in law
Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition
Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - PrivateFirearm regulations in Puerto Rico include30 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners
Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - DealerFirearm regulations in Puerto Rico include19 51  written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers
Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Transport RegulationsRegulations in Puerto Rico include30 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit
Carrying Guns
Compare
Law Regulates Firearms in PublicIn Puerto Rico, carrying a gun in a public place is regulated by law38 
Compare
Carrying Guns Openly in PublicIn Puerto Rico, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is prohibited30
Compare
Carrying Hidden Handguns in PublicIn Puerto Rico, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit30 38
Compare
Penalty for Illicit Firearm PossessionIn Puerto Rico, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm52 is five years in prison39 35 50 36 53 34 18 22 19 54 43 55 23

MeasuresInternational Controls
United Nations MembershipIn the UN List of Member States, Puerto Rico is not a Member State of the United Nations56
Wassenaar ArrangementThe Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list57 Puerto Rico as a Participating State

BackgroundSustainable Development Goal ProfileLink
About SDG 16The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals set by the United Nations to be implemented by all member states by 2030. Adopted in 2015, they outline a vision of development in which peace and security are an integral part.

SDG 16,58 which seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” includes targets and indicators focused on reducing violence (Target 16.1) and the proliferation of illicit arms (Target 16.4). The indicators – or measurement criteria – of these targets include the number of victims of intentional homicide (Indicator 16.1.1), the number of conflict-related deaths (Indicator 16.1.2), and the number of illicit firearms collected and traced (Indicator 16.4.2).

In light of these targets and indicators, GunPolicy.org provides granular national data pertaining to homicides, gun homicides, conflict deaths, disarmament efforts, and marking and tracing.
Compare
Homicides (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual homicides by any means total 

61612
52913
606
641
729
70414
614
704
924
1,015
1,179
1,030
956
874
774
783
825
843
818
820
802
1,320
59315
652
724
868
864 
Compare
Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

19.312
18.4913
20.66
21.09
23.04
20.6414
17.62
19.92
25.74
27.91
32.04
27.68
24.70
21.59
19
19.94
21.1
21.65
21.1
21.25
20.9
19.24
15.615
17.2
19.3
23.3
23.3
Compare
Male Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual male homicides by any means total 

64814
576
652
871
932
1,097
966
900
810
724
738
759
775
759
757
733
1,320
Compare
Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of male homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

39.9114
34.78
38.61
50.71
53.53
62.23
54.18
47.28
42.24
37.60
Compare
Female Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, annual female homicides by any means total 

5614
36
52
53
83
82
64
56
64
50
45
66
68
59
63
69
Compare
Rate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of female homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

3.1314
1.98
2.82
2.83
4.38
4.28
3.30
2.81
2.94
2.76
Compare
Gun HomicidesChartIn Puerto Rico, annual firearm homicides total 

63113
556
630
830
905
1,036
923
824
713
617
69215
67016 
Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

19.2213
16.44
18.24
22.50
24.50
27.90
24.80
22.03
18.96
16.31
18.315
17.2716
Compare
Proportion of Homicides Committed With a GunChartIn Puerto Rico, the percentage of homicides committed with a firearm is reported to be 

91%17
88%
87%
90%
94.8%15
Compare
Male Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual male firearm homicides total 

53513
598
789
849
985
882
792
676
588
Compare
Rate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of male firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

30.3013
33.80
44.50
47.80
55.30
49.40
Compare
Female Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Puerto Rico, annual female firearm homicides total 

3313
33
41
56
51
40
32
37
29
Compare
Rate of Female Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Puerto Rico, the annual rate of female firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

1.5310
2.18
1.65
1.68
2.08
2.80
2.40
1.86
Link
Conflict DeathsFor a profile of conflict in Puerto Rico, select the Link icon to open an external web page from the UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia at Uppsala University
Compare
DisarmamentAuthorities in Puerto Rico are known to have59 60 61 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation
Compare
Surrendered in Gun AmnestyIn Puerto Rico, the number of firearms voluntarily surrendered in recent arms amnesty and collection programmes is reported to be 

40061
Compare
Firearms Surrendered and SeizedIn Puerto Rico, the number of firearms voluntarily surrendered, bought back or seized by authorities is reported to be 

17062
Compare
Destruction and Disposal PolicyIn Puerto Rico, it is state policy63 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market
Marking and Tracing
Compare
Firearm MarkingIn Puerto Rico, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law with only narrow exemptions54 42
Compare
Firearm TracingIn Puerto Rico, state authorities carry out64  recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures
Compare
Ballistic Record of Firearms and AmmunitionIn Puerto Rico, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not originally27 recorded in a register
Link
Global Peace IndexTo see where Puerto Rico ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on Puerto Rico on the map or in the "Select Country" menu on the right of the web page

Short References

1.: Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation
2.: Karp, Aaron.2012.‘Estimated Civilian Gun Ownership.’ Measurement and Use of Statistical Data to Analyze Small Arms in the Caribbean and Latin America.Mexico City:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Center of Excellence, National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI),28 April. (Q8972)Full Citation
3.: Karp, Aaron.2012.‘Country Analyses: Puerto Rico.’ Measurement and Use of Statistical Data to Analyze Small Arms in the Caribbean and Latin America.Mexico City:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Center of Excellence, National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI),28 April. (Q11337)Full Citation
4.: North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics.2002.‘Question: Are any firearms now kept in or around your home? Include those kept in a garage, outdoor storage area, car, truck, or other motor vehicle.’ BRFSS Survey Results 2001 for Nationwide.Atlanta, GA:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System / BRFSS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC,2 September. (Q8391)Full Citation
5.: GunPolicy.org. 2019. ‘Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 24 January. (G14) Full Citation
6.: Latin American Herald Tribune (Venezuela). 2013. ‘Puerto Rico Toughens Penalties For Shooting Into The Air.’ 3 December. (N406) Full Citation
7.: GunPolicy.org.2016.‘Calculated Rates - Puerto Rico.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,20 May. (Q8735)Full Citation
8.: Karp, Aaron.2012.‘State Firearms Ownership.’ Measurement and Use of Statistical Data to Analyze Small Arms in the Caribbean and Latin America.Mexico City:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Center of Excellence, National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI),28 April. (Q8973)Full Citation
9.: Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Law Enforcement Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Law Enforcement Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13435)Full Citation
10.: WHO.2016.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Causes of Death.’ WHO Mortality Data Base.Geneva:World Health Organisation,1 December. (Q13354)Full Citation
11.: Waiselfiz, Julio Jacobo.2015.‘Number and Rate of Gun Deaths in 90 Countries (Número e taxas de mortalidade por AF segundo causa básica em 90 países do mundo).’ Violence Map: Deaths by Firearms (Mapa da Violência: Mortes Matadas por Armas de Fogo).Brasilia:Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales / Latin American Social Sciences Institute,1 January. (Q11896)Full Citation
12.: InSight Crime. 2022. ‘InSight Crime's 2021 Homicide Round-Up.’ 1 February. (N865) Full Citation
13.: UNODC.2020.‘Intentional Homicide Victims.’ dataunodc.un.org (web site).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q13355)Full Citation
14.: Igarapé Institute.2019.‘Homicides and Homicide Rates 2000 to 2018.’ Homicide Monitor.Rio de Janeiro:Igarapé Institute,28 June. (Q13953)Full Citation
15.: UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Puerto Rico.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6357)Full Citation
16.: Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation
17.: Igarapé Institute.2015.‘Homicides and Homicide Rates 2000 to 2014 - Puerto Rico.’ Homicide Monitor 2015.Rio de Janeiro:Igarapé Institute,24 June. (Q11121)Full Citation
18.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Manufacture, Importation, Sale and Distribution of Weapons.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11239)Full Citation
19.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Gunsmith License; Report of Transactions.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11231)Full Citation
20.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Electronic Register.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11227)Full Citation
21.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Conditions for Operations of Gunsmiths; Evidence of Transactions.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11234)Full Citation
22.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Manufacture, Distribution, Possession and Use [Ammunition].’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11251)Full Citation
23.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Sale of Ammunition to Persons Without a License; Limit in the Amount of Ammunition.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11273)Full Citation
24.: EFE News Agency. 2011. ‘Puerto Rico and US Federal Authorities Unite Against Arms Trafficking.’ 20 September. (N408) Full Citation
25.: Henry Pierson Curtis. 2008. ‘Illegal Guns Went to Puerto Rican Gangs, Agent Says.’ Orlando Sentinel (Florida). 19 March. (N409) Full Citation
26.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Interagency Committee Against the Illegal Traffic of Weapons.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11237)Full Citation
27.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Firearms.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q12072)Full Citation
28.: Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation
29.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Firearms.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11342)Full Citation
30.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Weapons License.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11228)Full Citation
31.: USA.1791.‘Second Amendment to the Constitution.’ Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights.Washington, DC:Congress of the United States of America,15 December. (Q1954)Full Citation
32.: Scalia, J.2008.‘District of Columbia et al. v. Heller.’ Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.Washington, DC:Supreme Court of the United States,26 June. (Q8502)Full Citation
33.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Firearms.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11343)Full Citation
34.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Presumptions.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11246)Full Citation
35.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Possession or Illegal Use of Long Barreled Weapons Semi - Automatic and Automatic Weapons or Sawed-off Shotgun.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11244)Full Citation
36.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Trade in Automatic Firearms.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11241)Full Citation
37.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Semiautomatics.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11236)Full Citation
38.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Permits.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11229)Full Citation
39.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Possession Without a License.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11243)Full Citation
40.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Hunting Licenses.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11252)Full Citation
41.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Weapons License; Permits to Carry Weapons; Persons Exempted from Payment of the Voucher.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11230)Full Citation
42.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Collections of Weapons.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11272)Full Citation
43.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Weapons Within Reach of Minors.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11250)Full Citation
44.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Denial of License.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11270)Full Citation
45.: Puerto Rico.1971.‘Suspension or Revocation of License to Drive Motor Vehicles and License to Carry Firearms.’ Controlled Substances Act of Puerto Rico.San Juan:Puerto Rico,23 June. (Q11269)Full Citation
46.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Limit to the Number of Weapons.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11271)Full Citation
47.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Sale of Ammunition to Persons Without a License; Limit in the Amount of Ammunition.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11255)Full Citation
48.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Registry of Weapons; Loss, Surrender or Transfer of Firearms; Death of the License Holder.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11235)Full Citation
49.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Requirements [Dealer License].’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11233)Full Citation
50.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Prohibition of Sale to Unlicensed Persons.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11240)Full Citation
51.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Storage and Custody of Firearms in Weapons and Ammunitions Depots.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11247)Full Citation
52.: GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation
53.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Carrying and Using Firearms Without a License.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11242)Full Citation
54.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Serial Number or Name of Owner on Firearm; Removal or Mutilation.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11245)Full Citation
55.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Firing or Pointing Weapons.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11248)Full Citation
56.: UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation
57.: Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation
58.: United Nations.2017.‘Relevant Targets & Indicators.’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.New York NY:United Nations Statistics Division,6 July. (Q14093)Full Citation
59.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Moratorium and Amnesty.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11254)Full Citation
60.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Educational Advertising Campaign.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11253)Full Citation
61.: IANSA. 2012. ‘Puerto Rico: Government and Faith Groups Cooperate in Successful Gun Amnesty.’ International Action Network on Small Arms / IANSA. 15 March. (N415) Full Citation
62.: Washington Post / Associated Press. 2013. ‘US Officials Turn Focus of Smuggling Crackdown to High-Level Drug Traffickers in Puerto Rico.’ 27 September. (N407) Full Citation
63.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Receipt, Custody and Disposal of Weapons Deposited or Seized by the Police; Destruction.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11249)Full Citation
64.: Puerto Rico.2000.‘Tracking and Analysis Center.’ Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2000.San Juan:Puerto Rico,11 September. (Q11238)Full Citation

Search, View and Navigation

Find Gun Policy Facts

Go To ..

Puerto Rico — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.

CompareNumber of Privately Owned Firearms

CompareRate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

CompareProportion of Adults Living in a Home With a Gun

CompareEstimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

CompareEstimated Rate of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms per 100 Population

Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.

CompareNumber of Military Firearms

CompareNumber of Law Enforcement Firearms

Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.

CompareRate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

CompareTotal Number of Male Gun Deaths

CompareRate of Male Gun Death per 100,000 People

CompareTotal Number of Female Gun Deaths

CompareRate of Female Gun Death per 100,000 People

Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.

CompareRate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

CompareMale Homicide Victims (any method)

CompareRate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

CompareFemale Homicide Victims (any method)

CompareRate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.

CompareRate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

CompareProportion of Homicides Committed With a Gun

CompareMale Gun Homicide Victims

CompareRate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

CompareFemale Gun Homicide Victims

CompareRate of Female Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.

CompareRate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

CompareMale Suicide Victims (any method)

CompareRate of Male Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

CompareFemale Suicide Victims (any method)

CompareRate of Female Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.

CompareRate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

CompareMale Gun Suicide Victims

CompareRate of Male Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

CompareFemale Gun Suicide Victims

CompareRate of Female Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.

CompareRate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

CompareUnintentional Male Gun Deaths

CompareRate of Unintentional Male Gun Death per 100,000 People

CompareUnintentional Female Gun Deaths

CompareRate of Unintentional Female Gun Death per 100,000 People

Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.

CompareRate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

CompareMale Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

CompareRate of Male Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

CompareFemale Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

CompareRate of Female Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

CompareRegulation of Automatic Weapons

CompareRegulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

CompareRegulation of Handguns

CompareLaw Regulates Long Guns

CompareMinimum Age for Firearm Possession

CompareGun Owner Background Checks

CompareReference Required for Firearm Licence

ComparePartner to be Advised or Interviewed

CompareDomestic Violence and Firearms

CompareFirearm Safety Training

CompareGun Owner Licensing Period

CompareLicensing Records

CompareLimit on Number of Guns

CompareLimit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

CompareCivilian Gun Registration

CompareGun Dealer Record Keeping

CompareGun Manufacturer Record Keeping

CompareRegulation of Private Gun Sales

CompareRegulation of Dealer Gun Sales

CompareRegulation of Gun Shows

CompareFirearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

CompareFirearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

CompareFirearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

CompareLaw Regulates Firearms in Public

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms

Compare
Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

Compare
Proportion of Adults Living in a Home With a Gun

Compare
Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

Compare
Estimated Rate of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms per 100 Population

Compare
Number of Military Firearms

Compare
Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Compare
Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

Compare
Total Number of Male Gun Deaths

Compare
Rate of Male Gun Death per 100,000 People

Compare
Total Number of Female Gun Deaths

Compare
Rate of Female Gun Death per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Male Homicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Female Homicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Rate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Proportion of Homicides Committed With a Gun

Compare
Male Gun Homicide Victims

Compare
Rate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Female Gun Homicide Victims

Compare
Rate of Female Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Male Suicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Rate of Male Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Female Suicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Rate of Female Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Male Gun Suicide Victims

Compare
Rate of Male Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Female Gun Suicide Victims

Compare
Rate of Female Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

Compare
Unintentional Male Gun Deaths

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Male Gun Death per 100,000 People

Compare
Unintentional Female Gun Deaths

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Female Gun Death per 100,000 People

Compare
Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

Compare
Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

Compare
Rate of Male Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

Compare
Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

Compare
Rate of Female Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

Compare
Regulation of Automatic Weapons

Compare
Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

Compare
Regulation of Handguns

Compare
Law Regulates Long Guns

Compare
Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

Compare
Gun Owner Background Checks

Compare
Reference Required for Firearm Licence

Compare
Partner to be Advised or Interviewed

Compare
Domestic Violence and Firearms

Compare
Firearm Safety Training

Compare
Gun Owner Licensing Period

Compare
Licensing Records

Compare
Limit on Number of Guns

Compare
Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Compare
Civilian Gun Registration

Compare
Gun Dealer Record Keeping

Compare
Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

Compare
Regulation of Private Gun Sales

Compare
Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

Compare
Regulation of Gun Shows

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Compare
Law Regulates Firearms in Public

Compare
Carrying Guns Openly in Public

Compare
Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

Compare
Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Male Homicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Female Homicide Victims (any method)

Compare
Rate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Proportion of Homicides Committed With a Gun

Compare
Male Gun Homicide Victims

Compare
Rate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

Compare
Female Gun Homicide Victims

Compare
Rate of Female Gun Homicide per 100,000 People