On Christmas Eve, tragedy struck when 26-year-old Juliana Leite Rangel was shot in the head during what is reported as a mistaken police action by the Brazilian Federal Highway Police (PRF) on the BR-040, known as Rodovia Washington Luís, in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro.
The incident occurred around 9 PM as Juliana was traveling with her family to celebrate Christmas at relatives’ home in Niterói. They were driving along the highway when PRF officers, mistaking their vehicle for one involved with criminal activity, opened fire on them. Eyewitness accounts, including those of Juliana's mother, Deyse Rangel, have revealed the family's alarm during the incident. "We saw the police and said, ‘Let’s give way to the police.’ We did, and instead of passing, they started shooting at us. It was too many shots, too many shots,” Deyse recounted, reflecting the confusion and chaos of the situation.
Juliana was quickly transported to Hospital Municipal Adão Pereira Nunes, where she was intubated and underwent surgery. Her condition has been described as grave. Her father, 53-year-old Alexandre da Silva Rangel, who was driving at the time and also suffered gunshot wounds to his left hand, shared his harrowing experience of the event. "I thought the PRF car was filled with bandits. The police wouldn't do this," he said, illustrating the shock and disbelief felt by the family. He vividly remembered signaling to pull over upon hearing the police siren, only for the officers to exit their vehicle and open fire.
The PRF responded swiftly to the incident, confirming the internal investigation. The agency’s General Corregedoria announced the suspension of the involved officers from operational duties pending the outcome of the inquiry. Vitor Almada, the PRF superintendent for Rio de Janeiro, stated, “Nothing justifies what happened, and the approach was completely erroneous and outside training standards.” This admission highlights the severe lapse in judgment being evaluated as part of the internal review.
The Federal Police (PF) has taken over the external investigation, categorizing the events as particularly concerning as they followed prior reports of firearm use directed toward patrols on the same highway segment. The PF confirmed they had begun collecting evidence at the scene, including examining the officers' weapons used during the incident.
The situation was compounded by the recent signing of new directives on police force use by President Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva, aimed at minimizing police violence. This set of regulations aims to discourage the excessive use of firearms, reiteratively advocating for de-escalation strategies and limiting lethal force to situations only where there is imminent risk to life. The juxtaposition of such regulations with the violence experienced on this festive family occasion has brought forth community and legal scrutiny.
Video footage shared on social media depicted the immediate aftermath of the shooting, showing the family's car riddled with bullet marks and the chaotic ambiance as Deyse cried out for her daughter. The anguished images encapsulated the heartbreaking moment, illustrating how quickly the holiday intended for celebration transformed to one of grief and fear.
Meanwhile, the PRF has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, articulately stating, “We deeply regret this episode.” The agency has committed to providing support to Juliana's family through their General Coordination of Human Rights, ensuring they are not left isolated during this trying period.
This incident sheds light on the pressing issues of police accountability and conduct during operational activities. Community members demand transparency and reform to prevent similar tragedies in future interactions between police and civilians. The overarching tone among the public is one of outrage and urgency for change, especially considering the family was simply aiming to celebrate Christmas.
While investigations are initiated, legal experts and community advocates call for systemic changes ensuring accountability and prioritizing the safety of uninvolved citizens during policing operations. This tragic event serves as both a poignant reminder of the potential dangers of armed confrontations and the necessary reforms needed within law enforcement to protect innocent lives.
