Feb 16 • 13:38 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

VIDEO: Shots interrupt carnival parade and a 16-year-old teenager is shot dead in MG

A 16-year-old teenager was shot dead during a carnival celebration in São João del-Rei, Brazil, prompting arrests and a police investigation into possible gang-related motives.

A tragic incident unfolded in São João del-Rei, Brazil, when a 16-year-old teenager was fatally shot during the city's carnival festivities on the night of Sunday, the 16th. As the crowd enjoyed the samba parade, chaos ensued when shots were fired, leading to frantic scenes as attendees fled in fear. The local authorities confirmed that three individuals had been arrested in connection to the shooting, which reflects ongoing issues with violence in public celebrations.

The shooting occurred on Avenida Presidente Tancredo Neves, marking a significant moment within an official municipal event. Following the incident, the São João del-Rei City Hall expressed its condolences regarding the young man's death and reassured the public that security operations for the carnival, dubbed “Carnaval Seguro,” would proceed as planned. Authorities quickly managed to secure the area, allowing the samba parade to resume shortly after the disturbances subsided.

Preliminary investigations by the Military Police indicated that the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between the victim and three suspects right before the incident. This has raised suspicions that the shooting might relate to pre-existing rivalries among local gangs or groups, underlining the critical need for community safety measures during large public events. The local administration's handling of the situation could influence future measures for ensuring safety during festivities, as they balance cultural celebrations with the imperative of public security.

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