Ricardo Coutinho campaign target released after custody hearing

Romero Gonçalves de Andrade, a former licensed military police officer, was released following a custody hearing after attempting to invade a campaign committee in João Pessoa. During a political event in the Bancários neighborhood, Andrade allegedly used a knife and a firearm simulacrum to threaten former governor and federal deputy candidate Ricardo Coutinho and his staff.

Witnesses and municipal guards reported that Andrade shouted insults and made death threats while Coutinho was delivering a speech. The suspect was contained by supporters and a plainclothes officer before being taken into custody. Authorities later confirmed the weapon used was a simulacrum.

The court has imposed several restrictive measures on Andrade, including a prohibition from approaching Coutinho, his political demonstrations, or his campaign committee. He must maintain a minimum distance of 300 meters from the committee and 500 meters from the candidate. Failure to comply with these measures may result in preventive detention.