Berlin Senate Proposes Felony Classification for Illegal Gun Possession

Berlin's government is seeking to reclassify the illegal possession of firearms as a felony, a move aimed at strengthening police powers against arms trafficking and curbing a rise in gun-related crime. Justice Senator Felor Badenberg warned that it is "only a matter of time" before innocent bystanders become victims of shootings.

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It is only a matter of time until innocent third parties also become victims of such acts.

The Berlin Senate is initiating a federal legislative proposal to change the classification of illegal gun possession from a misdemeanor to a felony, which would carry a minimum one-year prison sentence. This change would allow police to employ more extensive surveillance and wiretapping measures against suspected arms dealers.

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A growing subjective sense of insecurity

"A growing subjective sense of insecurity" is affecting the public, Badenberg stated, adding that police data shows an increase in shootings and a "sharp rise in confiscated firearms." The Senate highlights that illegal semi-automatic pistols, known for their high rate of fire and large magazine capacity, play a significant role in criminal activities and are as dangerous as fully automatic weapons.

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Sharp rise in confiscated firearms

Interior Senator Iris Spranger reported that since November 2025, police operations have led to nearly 6,000 individuals being identified, 3,277 cars searched, 856 establishments checked, 46 firearms seized, and 442 investigations launched. The proposal will be submitted to the Federal Ministry of Justice for consideration.

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high rate of fire