Juliana Leite Rangel was in the car with her brother and father, who was grazed in the hand; highway police say they heard gunshots and thought it came from the car
An action by the Federal Highway Police (PRF) on BR-040, in Duque de Caxias (RJ), resulted in a serious incident, where a woman and her father were injured by gunfire. Juliana Leite Rangel, 26, was shot in the head, while her father, Alexandre da Silva Rangel, 53, was shot in the left hand. According to witness reports, the shots were fired from a PRF vehicle. The highway police officers admitted the shooting. They claim they heard gunshots and assumed it was coming from the family car.
In response to what happened, the PRF decided to preventively remove the agents involved in the operation. The Federal Police have already started an investigation into the case, which includes seizing the weapons used and carrying out an investigation at the scene. Juliana was taken to a hospital, where her condition is considered very serious. On the other hand, Alexandre was discharged after treatment for a cut on his hand.
President Lula’s government announced a new decree that establishes stricter guidelines for the use of force by police. Among the main changes is the prohibition of the use of firearms in situations that do not present imminent risk. This measure was prepared by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, aiming to increase security and responsibility in police actions.
In September last year, a 3-year-old child was killed during a PRF operation, which resulted in the indictment of three agents who became defendants. The sequence of events raises concerns about police conduct and the need for reforms in the use of force in public safety operations.
Published by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the help of AI
