On Wednesday, app drivers in Recife organized a car procession through the city center to voice their concerns over rising street violence, especially following the tragic death of one of their own, Victor Dantolli de Fontes de Souza. He was shot while attempting to escape from armed robbers in the Casa Forte neighborhood. The protest highlighted not only the personal loss faced by the drivers but also their growing fear and frustration over safety issues while performing their jobs.

The police have taken immediate action, with the lead investigator stating that two suspects in Dantolli’s murder have been identified but are currently on the run. This situation reflects a broader sense of insecurity in the area, with many app drivers expressing that they feel vulnerable to crime while working, particularly during late hours or in less populous neighborhoods. The protest aimed not just to commemorate Dantolli but also to call for increased police presence and better security measures for drivers.

As the procession progressed from Avenida Agamenon Magalhães to the Palácio do Campo das Princesas, it garnered attention from local media and authorities, who were urged to take more effective steps in combating such violence. The events surrounding Dantolli’s death have sparked discussions among various stakeholders, including local government officials, law enforcement, and community organizations, about how to better protect those working in essential services like app driving, an increasingly popular job in urban Brazil.