Eduardo Paes, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, revealed that João Pires, the Secretary of Consumer Defense, was targeted by criminals on Avenida Amaral Peixoto early in the morning. According to Paes, Pires had already been facing repeated threats, leading to the municipality providing him with an armored vehicle for his protection. The mayor emphasized that Pires's strong actions against corrupt gas station operations had made him a target for such threats.

Following the incident, which Paes described as an 'attack,' he stated that he is awaiting a thorough investigation from the Civil Police to clarify the circumstances surrounding the approach against Pires. The incident occurred shortly after the launch of the Municipal Force, intended to enhance public safety in the city. Paes underscored the importance of ensuring safety for public officials who dedicate themselves to fighting organized crime.

This situation reflects the ongoing safety concerns in Brazil, particularly for public officials dealing with systemic corruption and organized crime. The mayor's comments highlight the risks faced by those involved in public service and the need for heightened security measures amidst increasing threats from criminal groups operating in urban areas.