CNN
—
At least three people were killed and 11 injured when gunmen opened fire at two schools in Brazil’s Espirito Santo state on Friday, local officials said.
The attack took place in the small town of Aracruz, 50 miles north of the state capital Vitoria.
Police arrested the suspect, who was seen on security footage wearing a military uniform, wearing a face covering and carrying a semi-automatic weapon. The suspect has not yet been identified by authorities, but local media outlets, including CNN affiliate CNN Brazil, have reported that the individual is 16 years old.
Espírito Santo State Governor Renato Casagrande said in a Twitter post on Friday, “The security team has cowardly caught up with the attackers who attacked two schools in Aracruz. , has declared three days of formal mourning.
The governor said the attacks took place at the Primovitti School and the Praia de Coqueirar Education Center.
Security Minister Marcio Serante told media that police believed the suspect acted alone based on the security video, but acknowledged further investigation was needed to confirm the details of the incident. rice field.
Celante also revealed some of what the security video showed.
“The first criminal act was to break the padlock and break into the school. He was able to get into the teacher’s room,” Serante said, adding, “Then he moved to another school, where more people were killed. We have had casualties,” he added.
Brazil’s president-elect, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, called the incident a “ridiculous tragedy”.
“Sadly informed of the attack at Ara Cruz school in Espirito Santo. My solidarity goes out to the families of the victims of this ridiculous tragedy,” Lula tweeted.
“We stand with Governor Casagrande to investigate the incident and comfort the communities surrounding the two affected schools,” he added.
Brazilian Minister Viktor Godoy also echoed government officials and expressed sympathy.
“My condolences to the parents, relatives and employees of the Primovitti State Elementary and Middle School in Aracruz and the Praia de Coqueirar Educational Center. I am submitting this denial of this act of violence for the record,” said Godoy. wrote on Twitter.
