On 7 October 2026, a group of students from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) held a protest against disciplinary processes initiated against other PUCP students who had been involved in May protests against tuition fee changes.
Outside the university campus while the protest was taking place, a non-commissioned officer of the Maranga police station (San Miguel, district of Metropolitan Lima) was criticised for pulling out his firearm in front of the students in an apparent attempt to intimidate young people during the protest.
The incident was denounced by the PUCP Alumni Front, which disseminated videos related to the recorded incident. The university pointed out that it is the responsibility of the National Police of Peru to strictly comply with the rules and protocols established for its actions and for the use of force.
The National University of San Marcos Alumni Front also issued a statement rejecting the actions of the police. The Federation of Students of the PUCP (FEPUC) criticised the rectoral authorities for lack of action. In their statement, FEPUC also alleged that in addition to the incident of the weapon, there were also beatings and the use of pepper spray.
The University Ombudsman’s Office issued a statement on 7 October, indicating that they condemn the actions of some police officers and urge the authorities of the Rectoral Team to listen to the student demands.