2021 Rio de Janeiro shootout
On 6 May 2021, at least 28 people were killed in a shootout between police and drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.[2][3] The raid occurred in Jacarezinho, Rio de Janeiro,[4] a favela notable for its high crime rate. The raid occurred at approximately 11 a.m. local time, following reports that a local drug gang was recruiting children.[5]
| 2021 Rio de Janeiro shootout | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of crime in Brazil | |||||
| |||||
| Belligerents | |||||
| Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State | Comando Vermelho | ||||
| Strength | |||||
|
~200 officers 4 armored vehicles 2 helicopters[1] | |||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||
|
1 killed 2 wounded |
28 killed 10 arrested | ||||
| 2 civilians injured | |||||
Jacarezinho | |
|---|---|
Neighborhood | |
  Jacarezinho Location in Rio de Janeiro  Jacarezinho Jacarezinho (Brazil) | |
| Coordinates: 22°53′13″S 43°15′37″W | |
| Country |  Brazil |
| State | Rio de Janeiro |
| Municipality/City | Rio de Janeiro |
| Zone | North Zone |
Background
Drug trafficking makes up for an increasingly large portion of crime in Brazil. In 2005, military police killed 29 civilians in Baixada Fluminense, Rio. In 2006, an officer was convicted in relation to it. A crisis occurred in Rio in 2010. A total of 27% of all incarcerations in Brazil are the result of drug trafficking charges. Between 2007 and 2012 the number of drug related incarcerations has increased from 60.000 to 134.000; a 123 percent increase.[6] Gang violence in Brazil has become an important issue affecting the youth. Brazilian gang members have used children to commit crimes because their prison sentences are shorter. As of 2007, murder was the most common cause of death among youth in Brazil, with 40% of all murder victims aged between 15 and 25 years old.[7]
Raid
The raid began on 6 May 2021 at approximately 11:00am local time. Police entered the Jacarezinho neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro in armoured vehicles following reports that a local drug gang was recruiting children.[5][8] The police faced concrete barriers placed by criminals to impede entry to the favela.[9] A shootout began between police and drug traffickers, in which at least 28 people were killed.[3] One police officer was killed and two wounded. Two passengers on a nearby metro train were hit by bullets fired during the shootout.[8] The shootout resulted in the highest-ever death toll from a police raid in Rio de Janeiro.[10]
Rio police detective Felipe Curi told reporters that several criminals attempted to hide in neighbouring residences. The police seized a shotgun, a sub machine gun, six rifles, 16 pistols, and 12 grenades. At least six suspects were arrested.[9] On 7 May the police announced a death toll of 27 among suspects, 3 more than previously reported.[11]
Reactions
Following the raid, approximately 50 Jacarezinho residents paid by the local drug traffickers marched in the streets shouting "justice" behind a group from the state legislatures human rights commission.[9]
In a statement, Human Rights Watch called upon the public prosecutor to immediately investigate possible police abuses.[9]
References
- "Operação na zona norte do Rio deixa ao menos 15 mortos". CBN (in Portuguese). 6 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
- "Brazil: At least 25 killed in Rio de Janeiro shoot-out". BBC News. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- Gaier, Rodrigo Viga; McGeever, Jamie (8 May 2021). Adler, Leslie (ed.). "Rio de Janeiro drug shootout death toll rises to 28". Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 June 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
- Phillips, Tom (6 May 2021). "Rio de Janeiro police raid on favela leaves at least 25 dead". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- Boadle, Anthony (6 May 2021). Nomiyama, Chizu (ed.). "Twenty-five killed in Rio de Janeiro police raid on drug gang". Reuters. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- Miraglia, Paul (2016). "Drugs and Drug Trafficking in Brazil: Trends and Policies" (PDF). Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence Latin America Initiative. 2016: 1–16. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 December 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2018 – via Brookings Institution.
- Glüsing, Jens (2 March 2007). "Violence in Rio de Janeiro: Child Soldiers in the Drug Wars". Spiegel Online. Archived from the original on 17 September 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
- Brazil: At least 25 killed, including an officer, in Rio de Janeiro police shootout with drug traffickers
- De Sousa, Marcelo. "At least 25 dead during Brazilian police raid in Rio". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- ""Good Cops Are Afraid" The Toll of Unchecked Police Violence in Rio de Janeiro". Human Rights Documents Online. doi:10.1163/2210-7975_hrd-2156-2016009. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- "Polícia diz que operação no Jacarezinho teve 28 mortos". G1 (in Portuguese). 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.