Gunshots, Chaos and National Force Reinforcement: Clash Closes Avenida Brasil and Terrifies Drivers

Around 10:50 am, units operating in Operation Rio de Janeiro – RJ, with 26 agents mobilized in eight marked vehicles, were accompanying Colonel Franklin when they came across two individuals on a motorcycle armed with rifles, at the height of the Irajá community. Upon noticing the presence of the police, the criminals opened fire, triggering an armed confrontation. The suspects fled towards the community while continuing to shoot at the teams. There were no injuries among the agents. Facing the intensity of the gunshots, the National Force requested support from PMERJ. The reinforcements sent included BPChoque, Bope, the 41st BPM (Irajá), and teams from the Highway Patrol Battalion (BPVE). The units remain on duty in the area. According to the Military Police, some drivers even turned back on the wrong side of the road upon hearing the gunshots. The corporation emphasized that, so far, there have been no reports of stolen vehicles in the area. Images taken by drivers and residents highlight the extent of the chaos. In one of the recordings, a panicked individual narrates: ‘Rio de Janeiro is tough… we are here in front of Ceasa. Lots of gunshots, a lot, a lot! Because of several armed criminals against a National Force vehicle. Now the Military Police is arriving. We are here, Avenida Brasil completely blocked.’ In another footage, recorded from inside a car stopped between the lanes, someone comments: ‘With the intensity of the incident, reinforcements were immediately sent. The National Force, which has an operational base near the confrontation point, dispatched teams to the area. Bope and the 41st BPM (Colégio) were also called to support the search and encirclement of the criminals. According to the Rio Operations Center (COR), the traffic was fully reopened around 12:03 pm, but security forces remained in the area throughout the afternoon. So far, there is no confirmation of arrests, seizures, or injuries.