Rio Protests After Police Kill Young Man at June Festival

Rio de Janeiro Mourns After Young Man Killed in BOPE Police Operation A young man, Herus Guimarães Mendes, 24, was tragically killed during a police operation in the Santo Amaro community of Rio de Janeiro on June 7th, 2025. The incident, which occurred during a local June festival, sparked outrage and a protest by community residents. At least five others were injured in the shooting, including a 16-year-old adolescent and a 38-year-old cook, Leurimar Rodrigues de Souza, who was reported to be in stable condition. "They were celebrating São João when everything happened," said a local resident, referring to the June festival. "Dozens of children and adolescents were there." The resident also described the scene as chaotic, with people running for cover as police exchanged gunfire with alleged criminals. The protest, which took place later that day, saw residents holding signs that read "#JUSTIÇA HERUS #FAVELADO NÃO É BANDIDO." The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and residents in impoverished communities across Brazil. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.