A 13-year-old pupil opened fire at the Sao Jose Institute in Rio Branco, Acre, killing two school staff and injuring two others, including an 11-year-old girl. The suspect surrendered and was arrested; his stepfather, the registered owner of the .380-caliber pistol used in the attack, was also detained. Authorities have identified possible student accomplices, suspended classes across the state for three days, and deployed psychological support teams as investigations continue.
13-Year-Old Student Kills Two Staff in Rio Branco School Shooting
Students of Instituto Sao Jose school in northeast Brazil take shelter on the roof during a rampage by a teen shooter, who killed two staff memers and injured two other people, including a 11-year-old girl (STRINGER)(STRINGER/AFP/AFP)
A 13-year-old student opened fire at the Sao Jose Institute, a junior high school in Rio Branco, Acre, killing two school staff members and wounding two others, including an 11-year-old girl who was shot in the leg.
What Happened
Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Russo of the Acre military police said the teenager, who is a pupil at the school, entered a corridor leading to the principal's office and fired multiple rounds before surrendering to police. Authorities arrested the suspect at the scene and also detained his stepfather, the registered owner of the .380-caliber pistol reportedly used in the attack. Investigators have identified other students who may have helped the attacker and are continuing their inquiries.
Eyewitness Account
Eduardo Rodrigues Cavalcante, a 19-year-old receptionist at a hotel adjacent to the school, described chaotic scenes as pupils tried to flee by climbing over a six-metre wall separating the properties. 'Only one person managed to jump over and take refuge in the hotel. The others were left on the school roof trying to escape,' he said, adding he heard 'gunshots and a lot of screaming.'
Official Response
The state government expressed its deepest condolences to the families and the Sao Jose Institute community. Officials suspended classes for three days at all state schools and mobilized psychological support teams to assist students, teachers and staff. Local media footage showed emergency responders carrying an injured woman on a stretcher and distraught relatives gathered outside the school.
Broader Context
Authorities and observers pointed to a recent rise in violent attacks on educational institutions across Brazil. In recent years there have been several deadly incidents in multiple states, including shootings and a fatal attack at a daycare center. The investigation into the Rio Branco shooting is ongoing; officials have not released the victims' names pending family notification.
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