US Approved Sale Of Sniper Rifles To Brazil’s Deadly Police Unit Despite Human Rights Concerns

The US government authorised the sale of sniper rifles to a controversial police unit in Brazil, despite strong objections from diplomats who feared the weapons could be used in extrajudicial killings, according to US officials and documents obtained by Reuters.

The elite Rio de Janeiro police unit, known as BOPE, recently took part in a deadly operation that left 121 people dead, including four officers. The incident sparked outrage among human rights groups and UN experts, who have suggested that some of the killings may have been unlawful.

Internal documents revealed that BOPE acquired 20 sniper rifles manufactured by Georgia-based Daniel Defense LLC in an undisclosed transaction in May 2023, during former US President Joe Biden’s administration.

The weapons, however, were not delivered until 2024, amid internal debate within the US State Department about whether the sale was appropriate.

US Diplomats Raised Alarms Over Deadly Police Unit

Under US law, firearm exports must be approved by the government. Although the Commerce Department typically grants final approval, the State Department plays a critical role in reviewing arms sales.

Elizabeth Bagley, then the US ambassador to Brazil, opposed the deal, along with other diplomats focused on human rights and law enforcement, according to a January 2024 State Department memo.

The document reportedly described BOPE as “among the most notorious police units in Brazil in regard to killings of civilians.”

Official data from the Brazilian Public Safety Forum shows that Rio police, including BOPE, were responsible for 703 killings in 2023 alone. However, Reuters could not confirm whether the US-made sniper rifles were used during last week’s deadly raid.

Suppressor Shipment Initially Blocked by US

In addition to the rifles, BOPE also purchased suppressors made by Wisconsin-based Griffin Armament. According to documents and sources, the suppressor shipment was initially blocked by the US government, though it remains unclear whether the equipment was later delivered.

The State Department stated that under the current administration, none of the equipment would have been delayed or denied. In April, US President Donald Trump reversed a 2023 policy introduced by Biden that imposed tighter human rights restrictions on firearm exports.

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“The previous administration’s disastrous foreign policies aided and abetted our hemisphere’s most violent gangs,” a State Department spokesperson told Reuters.

“Last year, Biden’s State Department denied critical defensive equipment to trusted security partners in Brazil while asking them to protect President Biden during his 2024 trip to Rio.

“In the interest of a safer hemisphere, we remain committed to ensuring that our partners have what they need to fight vicious criminals.”

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