63,151 Registered Civilian Firearms in Armenia

As of now, there are 63,151 registered civilian firearms in the names of individuals in Armenia. This was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) in response to a written inquiry from "Factinfo." According to the MIA, between 2018 and 2026, 663 individuals were awarded firearms, while 508 of them had their weapons revoked.

During the specified period, the firearms belonging to these 508 individuals were confiscated and returned due to non-compliance with legal requirements. According to data provided by the MIA, on October 5, 2022, under Article 37, Part 7 of the law on the regulation of firearms circulation, firearms belonging to 508 individuals were confiscated and subsequently returned.

It is noted that according to Article 37, Part 7 of the law on the regulation of firearms circulation, those awarded firearms must submit medical documents validating the absence of medical conditions or disorders that obstruct firearm ownership within one year of the law taking effect, to the Police of the Republic of Armenia. Failure to submit the required documents results in confiscation of the firearm by the police.

The "Factinfo" also inquired about the medical examinations of those receiving firearm carrying permits in light of an incident on October 12, 2025, when four individuals were murdered by a perpetrator deemed mentally incompetent, despite having recently received a firearm carrying permit. The inquiry specifically asked when Tadévos Hovakimyan, accused of the murders, was granted the right to acquire a firearm, when it was obtained, when he became a member of the Hunters' Association, and whether he underwent the necessary examinations, including for determining his sanity.

The MIA did not respond to questions regarding Hovakimyan's right to acquire a firearm, relevant examinations, and membership in the Hunters' Association, stating that his personal file is currently with the Investigative Committee. It is worth noting that Hovakimyan is currently under medical coercion.