On the morning of Thursday, April 17, 2025, federal deputy Sargento Portugal (Podemos-RJ) was the target of a shooting incident while traveling through the Favela de Antares, located in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The attack occurred as the parliamentarian was en route to the inauguration of a social project aimed at benefiting the local community. Fortunately, Portugal was unharmed, as he was traveling in an armored vehicle that sustained at least six bullet impacts during the assault.
According to reports, the incident began when Sargento Portugal spotted two armed men with rifles on a corner. He described the harrowing moment, stating, "When we entered the community, there were already two men with rifles. I couldn't identify their faces because it all happened so quickly. Our reaction was to turn left, and the car was being shot at the entire time. There was even another car behind us firing more shots until we managed to leave the community." The deputy emphasized that he heard "more than 50 shots" during the ordeal, which only ceased when they reached a busier avenue.
Military Police agents from the 27th BPM (Santa Cruz) were alerted to the shooting and promptly arrived at the scene, but the assailants had already fled. The case has been registered at the 36th DP (Santa Cruz), and the Civil Police are actively investigating the incident. In a statement, the police confirmed they are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and to identify the individuals responsible.
In an interview with the media, Sargento Portugal expressed his confusion about the motives behind the attack, stating he was unsure if it was a targeted assassination attempt against him or if the assailants mistakenly believed his vehicle belonged to rival gang members. The area where the shooting occurred has been dominated by militia groups since 2018 and is known for ongoing conflicts between militiamen and drug trafficking factions, particularly the Comando Vermelho.
Portugal, who is a former military police officer, has been vocal about the challenges facing Rio de Janeiro, saying, "The Rio de Janeiro of today is no longer for the carioca. I hope we can have a policy of confronting crime. I trust the Secretary of Public Security and the Secretaries of the Civil and Military Police, but as a resident, I must admit that I am afraid." His comments reflect a broader concern regarding safety and security in the region.
On social media, the deputy characterized the attack as a clear attempt at intimidation. He stated, "They attacked my car. Once again, they tried to take my life. This is the price one pays for fighting for you, for speaking out. They want to silence my voice. But with me, it’s different: those who walk with God do not retreat." This statement highlights Portugal's resolve to continue his political endeavors despite the threats he faces.
Sargento Portugal was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 2022 with just over 33,000 votes, focusing his political efforts on public safety and the empowerment of law enforcement agencies. He is a known supporter of former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) and has signed a request for urgency regarding a bill that proposes amnesty for individuals involved in the January 8 attacks. However, he has faced backlash from some of Bolsonaro's supporters for advocating a "modulated" version of the amnesty that excludes those who attempted to harm police officers during the riots.
Following the shooting, the deputy reiterated the need for a more robust response from state security authorities, stating, "Rio de Janeiro has not belonged to its residents for a long time. I expect effective actions from the government of Rio to combat the rise of organized crime." His call for action underscores the urgency for improved safety measures in a city grappling with persistent violence and crime.
The incident involving Sargento Portugal is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by public officials in Brazil, particularly in areas plagued by crime and violence. As investigations continue, many are left to wonder about the implications of such attacks on political discourse and public safety in the region.
As the situation develops, the community and the nation await answers regarding the motivations behind this brazen attack and the measures that will be taken to ensure the safety of those who serve in public office.
