In Brazil, Teen Opens Fire at School, Killing Two Employees

Tragedy struck Rio Branco, the capital of Brazil's Acre state, as a 13-year-old student opened fire within his school, claiming the lives of two employees and injuring two others. The shocking event at the Instituto Sao Jose has sent ripples of grief and fear across the nation, highlighting the persistent issue of gun violence in educational settings.

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Face à cette tragédie, l’État exprime sa profonde solidarité envers les familles des victimes, la communauté scolaire de l’Institut Sao José et l’ensemble des professionnels de l’éducation touchés par cet événement.

The young assailant, armed with a 9mm handgun, began his rampage in a corridor leading to the administration office before surrendering to authorities. His stepfather was also taken into custody, as the investigation into how the weapon was obtained and the potential involvement of other students begins. The immediate aftermath saw scenes of panic, with students attempting to flee the premises, some desperately trying to scale a six-meter wall to escape the gunfire.

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Les autres se sont réfugiés sur le toit de l’école essayant de fuir

This horrific incident is not an isolated one; it tragically adds to a growing list of school attacks that have plagued Brazil in recent years. From the Ceara state shooting in September 2025 to incidents in São Paulo and Minas Gerais, the pattern is deeply concerning. While international coverage often focuses on the statistics, for Brazilians, each attack represents a profound loss and a failure to protect our children. The government has expressed solidarity and mobilized psychological support teams, but the question remains: what more can be done to prevent such senseless violence from shattering more young lives and devastating more communities?

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Les coups de feu et de nombreux cris