FORTALEZA, CEARÁ, BRAZIL – DECEMBER 13, 2025 Brazilian man used a visit to a shooting range to commit suicide. At an unobserved moment, when the instructor had his back turned, he put the pistol to his head and fired. The incident was recorded on CCTV.
Aftermath photo
Suicide by shooting is widely perceived by the public as a quick, reliable, and painless method. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. A slight twitch of the hand at the moment of the shot has already left some people permanently disabled. Even so, similar incidents at shooting ranges are not uncommon.
To prevent such tragedies, most countries apply a combination of legal restrictions, operational rules, and professional supervision. A shooter should always handle a firearm only under constant instructor supervision. The instructor has the right to refuse or terminate cooperation at any time if the trainee behaves abnormally. Sometimes, however, such tragedies cannot be completely prevented.
If you’re thinking about suicide, please stop and recognize that your pain is not permanent, but this step would be. It may feel like there’s no other way, but there is hope, even if it’s hard to see right now. Your feelings are temporary, and with help, they can pass.
Talking about what you're going through might feel difficult, but it’s the first step toward healing. Don’t turn away from the people who want to support you. Life can offer more than what you're feeling right now, and the pain doesn't have to last forever. You deserve help, and it’s available.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
