During the Carnival celebrations in Campos dos Goytacazes, a young man was seen being violently assaulted in a widespread altercation at the Praia do Farol de São Tomé on Tuesday, February 17. Graphic videos that circulated online show the young man being kicked and punched by several individuals, with the violence persisting even after he fell to the ground. A female bystander attempted to protect him by shielding him with her body, reflecting the chaotic nature of the incident.

Witnesses reported that the young man sustained injuries; however, there were no indications of more severe consequences resulting from the attack. The local Municipal Guard stated that they were not called to the scene, clarifying that the incident took place before their preventive patrols commenced following the passage of the trio elétrico, and at a location distant from the main area of the event. This raises concerns about security protocols during large gatherings, especially in light of the heightened presence of police expected during Carnival festivities.

The 8th BPM command confirmed that their police unit responsible for the area was unaware of the incident, which further complicates the response to violent occurrences in public spaces during such major events. The growing documentation of violence at public festivities through social media highlights an urgent need for improved safety measures and more effective policing strategies, especially to protect attendees during celebrations that traditionally draw large crowds.