Michelle Bolsonaro Approved Disabling Weapon After Ankle Monitor Attempt, Testimony Claims

Jair Bolsonaro’s firearm, which was seized during a police stop in Brasília, had been temporarily disabled by his security team with the authorization of Michelle Bolsonaro. According to reports from Julia Duailibi’s blog on g1, the weapon’s firing pin was removed to ensure the former president’s safety due to his high consumption of medications.

The weapon, registered in Bolsonaro’s name, was intercepted during a police blitz. The military officer Estácio Leite da Silva Filho was found transporting the firearm inside a vehicle at the time of the encounter.

Why was the firearm disabled?

According to investigators, the security team and the former president’s family decided to remove the firing pin—the component required for a shot to be fired—to protect Bolsonaro’s physical integrity. This decision was reportedly made because of the large quantity of medications the former president uses.

The removal of the component occurred around November 2025, a period when Bolsonaro attempted to break his electronic ankle monitor using a soldering iron.

Estácio Leite da Silva Filho testified that he was transporting the weapon to perform a repair at Bolsonaro’s request. He noted that while he later reinstalled the firing pin after the repair, he intended to only return the weapon once Michelle Bolsonaro provided authorization.

What was Jair Bolsonaro’s testimony regarding the weapon?

During a five-minute deposition to the Civil Police of the Federal District on Tuesday (23), Jair Bolsonaro denied requesting that the military officer take the pistol away for repairs. He claimed he only asked the officer to check if the weapon was functioning properly.

Bolsonaro further stated that his request did not include permission to remove the firearm from the condominium.

Bolsonaro’s legal team maintains that there was no illegality in his possession of the pistol. They argue that his 27-year and 3-month prison sentence for the attempted coup does not mandate the surrender of his weapons or the cancellation of his firearm registrations.

What are the legal implications for the former president?

Minister Alexandre de Moraes has requested that the PGR analyze, within a 48-hour window, whether a “serious flaw” occurred during the seizure of the weapon. This follows the interception of the firearm by authorities.

The legal situation remains fluid as Bolsonaro’s initial term of humanitarian house arrest expired on Thursday (25). On Tuesday (30), his defense met with Moraes to argue for an extension of this house arrest.

Moraes must now decide whether to extend the current measure, impose new conditions, or determine a change in the regime for his sentence.

Expert Insight: There is a discrepancy between the security officer’s testimony that he was transporting the weapon for repair at Bolsonaro’s request and Bolsonaro’s own denial that he asked the officer to take the weapon for repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the firing pin removed from the pistol?
The security team removed the firing pin to ensure the physical safety of Jair Bolsonaro, citing concerns related to the high volume of medications he consumes.

What did Jair Bolsonaro claim during his police testimony?
Bolsonaro denied asking the military officer to take the gun for repairs, stating he only requested that the officer check if the pistol worked while it remained on the premises.

What is the current status of Jair Bolsonaro’s detention?
Bolsonaro is currently under a humanitarian house arrest, though the initial term for this measure expired on the 25th, leaving the decision of an extension to Minister Alexandre de Moraes.

How will the investigation into the firearm seizure impact the ongoing legal proceedings against the former president?