Man Killed by Police After Holding 13 Children Hostage in Brazilian School
An armed man who reportedly suffered from schizophrenia was killed by police after holding young children and staff at knifepoint for several hours at a daycare center in Curitiba.
Police in Brazil fatally shot an armed man who held 13 children hostage for over three hours at a school in Curitiba on Friday. The man, who has not been identified, entered the São Braz Municipal Early Childhood Education Center classroom and threatened the children and staff with a knife.
During the hostage situation, the suspect poured a liquid that smelled like gasoline in the classroom and repeatedly threatened to set it on fire. Parana state police spokesperson Leticia Martins stated that negotiating teams saw no alternative but to neutralize the man. The Special Police Operations Battalion carried out the tactical intervention.
Alexandre Dias, a local police commander, informed reporters that the suspect suffered from schizophrenia. Details regarding how the man was killed were not immediately released. "We entered the classroom using a very tactical approach, with little risk for the children," Dias said.
Tearful parents waited outside the school while negotiations were underway. Shortly after two explosions were heard, officers began bringing some of the children outside. In total, 13 children between the ages of 4 and 5 were rescued. While five children received medical attention, no injuries were reported.
The Curitiba City Hall has stated that the children and school staff will receive psychological support. The incident occurred in the São Braz region of Curitiba, which is located approximately 250 miles south of São Paulo.