In 2025, Grande Recife witnessed alarming statistics regarding armed violence, as reported by the annual report from the Institute Fogo Cruzado. It highlighted an unprecedented rise in the number of victims due to stray bullets and injuries among children and adolescents. The report, disclosed on Thursday, reveals that the region experienced a significant surge in gunfire incidents, with a striking increase of 650% in the last year due to conflicts between armed groups. This dramatic rise in violence illustrates a growing concern for public safety, especially for vulnerable populations such as minors.

The report emphasizes that, while the total number of children and adolescents shot has barely changed over the last two years, the year 2025 recorded 148 minors being harmed, marking the highest number since monitoring began in 2019. This statistic is particularly distressing, as it underscores the ongoing threat posed by violence to the youth in the region, showing minimal improvements in their safety. The data suggests that both societal and governmental measures to combat this violence have not effectively protected these vulnerable groups from the impacts of armed conflict.

Moreover, the annual report raises critical questions about the implications of this trend for local communities and governance in Grande Recife. The overwhelming majority of armed conflicts appear linked to disputes among local gangs, raising alarms for law enforcement agencies and civil society. With such a steady increase in gun violence, including a notable uptick in targeted incidents involving children and adolescents, it raises concerns around long-term societal trauma and the urgent need for robust interventions to address the root causes of this violence, promote community safety, and protect the futures of young residents in the area.