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A tragic school shooting in Rio Branco has left two female staff members dead and several others injured, after a 13-year-old boy opened fire inside a junior high school.
The incident took place at the São José Institute, where panic spread rapidly among students and staff as gunshots rang out. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with students desperately trying to escape—some rushing into classrooms while others attempted to climb over a nearly 20-foot wall to flee the danger.
Authorities confirmed that the teenage suspect was taken into custody shortly after the attack. Officials from the Acre state government stated that the boy admitted to carrying out the shooting, although it remains unclear whether he was currently enrolled at the school or had previously attended.
Emergency responders pronounced two female staff members dead at the scene. In addition, one staff member and a student were injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
A local hotel receptionist, Eduardo Rodrigues Cavalcante, reported seeing students attempting to escape by scaling the wall separating the school from nearby buildings. He noted that only one person managed to jump over and reach safety, while others remained stranded on the school roof.
Police also arrested the suspect’s legal guardian, who is believed to be the owner of the firearm used in the attack. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the weapon was accessed.
Governor Mailza Assis expressed condolences, stating that the state stands in solidarity with the victims' families and the entire school community. In response to the tragedy, authorities announced that all schools in Acre would be closed for three days, and psychological support teams have been deployed to assist students and educators.
This incident highlights a troubling rise in school violence across Brazil. In recent years, similar attacks have occurred, including a shooting in Ceará that left two teenagers dead and others injured, as well as a 2023 incident in São Paulo where a student was killed. Another shocking case involved a daycare center attack in Santa Catarina, where four young children lost their lives.
Officials continue to investigate the Rio Branco shooting as the nation grapples with growing concerns over school safety.
