Saudi security authorities reported that a shooter had gunned down a man and briefly escaped before being killed in a standoff with police in the southwest of the Kingdom.

Incident Details

The General Directorate of Public Security stated on X (formerly Twitter) that police in Al Namas governorate, part of the Asir region, responded to a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a citizen and the shooter’s escape.

Pursuit of the Shooter

During the police pursuit, the shooter began firing at security personnel, who responded to "neutralize his danger," resulting in his injury and subsequent death. The shooter's motive for the murder remains unclear.

Tighter Regulations on Gun Licenses

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia began enforcing stricter regulations for gun ownership, now requiring a drug test to obtain a gun license.

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud issued a decree amending executive regulations related to the arms and ammunition system.

New Requirements for Gun Licensing

The amended regulations stipulate that passing a toxicology test is a “requirement” for obtaining a license to carry personal firearms and hunting weapons. A toxicology test, also known as a tox screen, detects traces of drugs in blood and urine.

Other Licensing Conditions

Other conditions for obtaining a gun license include being a Saudi national, at least 22 years of age, having a clean criminal record, and being free from any disability or disease that might impair the use of firearms.

Strict Law Enforcement

In recent months, Saudi police have arrested several individuals for the illegal use of firearms or shooting into the air.

Possession of a firearm or ammunition without a license in Saudi Arabia is punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to SAR 6,000, or one of these penalties.