On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded at the Instituto São José in Rio Branco, the capital of Acre state, Brazil, when a school shooting left two staff members dead and two others injured. The horrific event has prompted widespread shock and grief within the school community and the local area.
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According to government officials, the suspect in the shooting is a 13-year-old male student who is believed to have fired shots in a corridor of the school around midday. Reports indicate that the firearm used in the attack belonged to the suspect’s stepfather, who has also been taken into custody following the incident. It appears the young suspect confessed to the act shortly after giving himself up to authorities.
The state government confirmed that three staff members and one student were struck by gunfire. Tragically, two female employees lost their lives at the scene, while an 11-year-old girl was injured, suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. An additional staff member was also reported to be among the injured. The injured individuals were promptly transported to local medical facilities for treatment.
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaotic scene as students attempted to escape the gunfire. One student reportedly tried to scale a six-metre wall to reach a nearby hotel for safety, while others sought refuge on the roof of the school. A hotel receptionist recalled the pandemonium, noting the sound of gunshots and the frantic screams of students trying to flee the danger.
In response to the shooting, the State Secretariat of Education and Culture (SEE) announced a suspension of classes for three days as part of a safety protocol. The state has also initiated support services for students, educators, and anyone affected by the tragic event. Government officials, including Acre’s Governor Mailza Assis, expressed their deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and the wider school community.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting has been launched by the Civil Police of Acre, with authorities seeking to understand the motivations behind the attack and any possible liabilities. As part of this inquiry, security forces are collaborating on efforts to clarify the details of the incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Instituto São José school took to social media to honour the memory of the two deceased staff members, Raquel Sales Feitosa and Alzenir Pereira da Silva. In a heartfelt message posted on Facebook, the school expressed sorrow over their passing and highlighted the profound impact they had on the community. The school community has united in grief, mourning the loss of two dedicated educators who will be remembered fondly by those who knew them.
This incident marks yet another heartbreaking chapter in the ongoing global issue of school violence, raising questions about safety measures and the factors contributing to such acts. As the investigation continues, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the aftermath of this senseless attack and searching for answers.
The state and local authorities are committed to ensuring that such violence does not recur, as they work towards providing support for those directly affected while also addressing the broader implications of this event on school safety across the region.