Rio Police Under Investigation After Fatal Shooting at Festa Junina

Rio de Janeiro Police Operation Under Investigation Following Fatal Shooting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – A recent operation by the Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (BOPE) in the Morro Santo Amaro favela resulted in the death of 24-year-old Herus Guimarães Mendes. The incident, which occurred during a festa junina on Saturday, June 7th, has prompted a thorough investigation and disciplinary action. According to Secretary of Military Police Marcelo de Menezes, the officers involved in the operation failed to follow established protocols and procedures. "On Sunday, I met with Governor Cláudio Castro, and we evaluated the circumstances of this operation. We determined that those responsible did not observe the corporation's protocols and procedures. Therefore, we decided to remove the officers and all police involved from the streets to ensure fairness in the investigations." Menezes stated that he only learned about the operation on Saturday morning. The incident has led to immediate consequences. Governor Cláudio Castro exonerated Coronel Aristheu de Góes Lopes, the BOPE commander, and Coronel André Luiz de Souza Batista, from the Comando de Operações Especiais (COE). Twelve officers involved in the operation have been suspended from active duty. The collected evidence, including body camera footage and weapons, is currently being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation. The Secretary emphasized the commitment to improving protocols and procedures, stating, "The police officer does not leave home to make mistakes. We sympathize with the family. This is not a desirable outcome, but we will increasingly deliver a quality service to the population by improving protocols and procedures. It is an opportunity for us to study our actions." The investigation continues to determine the full circumstances of the event and ensure accountability.