Foreign National Detained After Brandishing Firearm Outside Lands Department

A fifty-five-year-old Lebanese man was detained by police this morning after brandishing a firearm outside the Department of Lands in Belmopan. The man, identified as a foreign national, reportedly became infuriated after being informed that he needed a ticket to join the express service line. When he was denied entry without a ticket, the situation escalated into a verbal altercation. A video has since surfaced, showing the man, dressed in a red T-shirt, shorts, and a hat, hurling threats and brandishing a firearm during a confrontation with a security guard.

In the footage, the man can be heard using profane language, stepping closer to the entrance, and saying, “I have one too,” before pulling a firearm from his waistband. He continues to taunt the security personnel, daring them to “bring it” and “call the security on me.”

Chief Executive Officer Paul Thompson told News Five that the incident unfolded after the man tried to enter the express service line without following the ticketing protocol. Despite the presence of two security guards and three Special Patrol Unit officers at the time, the individual was not apprehended and managed to leave the premises.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has held discussions with the police to enhance security at the Lands Department. Currently, visitors are not screened for weapons, and vehicles are allowed to park on the premises, both of which are now under review.

Fortunately, no one was injured during the altercation.