Lithuania's interior minister seeks to restore police warning shots

Lithuania's Interior Ministry has proposed restoring law enforcement officers' ability to fire warning shots into the air and easing certain restrictions on firearms use, arguing the changes would better protect officers. Under current rules, an officer may only use a firearm when facing unavoidable danger and unavoidable necessity — conditions the ministry wants removed.

Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas said the existing wording depends too heavily on subjective judgment calls that are difficult to make within seconds during a fast-moving incident. Darius Domarkas, head of the ministry's Public Security Group, said firearms would remain a last resort, used to cause as little harm as possible while safeguards are strengthened. The ministry also wants to bring back the option of a warning shot fired into the air to help de-escalate tense situations, noting that currently only a verbal warning is available.

Warning shots were banned in Lithuania roughly a decade ago. Former police officer and instructor Dalius Mackela defended that decision, warning that a bullet fired skyward has to come down somewhere and could strike an unintended target. He also questioned whether the proposed changes were even necessary, saying current law already sets clear conditions for firearms use.

The debate intensified this summer after a group of irregular migrants attacked border guards. Under the ministry's plan, border guards would gain more flexibility to use firearms against equipment used for illegal crossings, such as ladders or tunnels. Katelynas said officers who fire at a suspect would be guaranteed legal and psychological support.

Police unions remain unconvinced. Ineta Kursevičienė, head of the Federation of Police Trade Unions, said the debate was being turned into a spectacle that missed the real issues. Roma Katinienė of the Police Trade Union called for a common agreement on simplified procedures after firearms use, so officers don't face years of litigation, citing several lengthy cases, including one involving a police officer acquitted after a three-year investigation and another involving a border guard still ongoing after two years. Unions also criticised the ministry for not consulting them before drafting the proposals, though Katelynas said they would now get a chance to weigh in.