The relatives of 8-year-old Valentina da Costa Eraclito dos Santos organized a peaceful protest in Nova Iguaçu to demand justice following her severe injury from a gunshot wound to the head. The girl is currently hospitalized in grave condition but is reportedly breathing on her own, as confirmed by her family. The incident occurred during an attempted robbery, which has deeply upset the local community and raised concerns over safety in the Baixada Fluminense region.

During the protest, Moisés da Costa Passos, Valentina's uncle, expressed his outrage at the lack of governmental response regarding the alarming crime rates in the area. He articulated the feelings of abandonment experienced by the residents of Baixada Fluminense, pointing to a societal failure to protect children from such violence. His comments highlight a growing frustration among community members who feel their pleas for help are going unanswered, making them resort to public demonstrations to capture the attention of authorities.

The incident, captured on video by TV Globo, illustrates the emotional turmoil faced by Valentina's family, particularly her father, who was seen distressed after realizing his daughter had been shot. This tragic event not only spotlights the urgent need for policy changes and improved law enforcement in Brazil but also serves as a rallying cry for citizens advocating for their right to safety and justice in their neighborhoods.