In the early hours of Sunday, a tragic incident occurred in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo, where a 17-year-old adolescent was shot dead after the festivities of the traditional Banda Mole parade. The crime took place around 2 AM on Avenida Presidente Vargas, near the Zerbini bridge, raising serious concerns about public safety during large events. As police were helping to disperse the crowd, they found the young victim lying on the ground with a gunshot wound, leading to an immediate response from emergency services who confirmed his death at the scene.

The police have classified the incident as homicide, but as of now, no suspects have been identified or taken into custody. Along with the victim, authorities reported the recovery of a small amount of cocaine, a lighter, and cash, hinting at possible involvement in drug-related activities that may have contributed to the violence. The local government expressed its condolences over the loss and emphasized the need for increased safety measures during large public gatherings to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Brazilian cities face concerning violence and crime, particularly during festive events when large crowds gather. It highlights the importance of law enforcement and community safety protocols that need to be reinforced to protect attendees and ensure such events can continue without incidents that mar public celebrations.