Rio civil police officer Julieli Brandt shot; colleague killed in Avenida Brasil attack

On July 8, 2026, a team of civil police officers conducting intelligence work in the Muquiço community of the Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, was ambushed on Avenida Brasil near Guadalupe. The officers were travelling in an unmarked vehicle when gunmen opened fire.

Officer Julieli da Conceição Brandt, 39, was hit in the leg, underwent surgery at Hospital Municipal Albert Schweitzer in Realengo and remains in stable condition. Inspector Carlos Alberto Freire Neto, 35, was struck in the head and died despite being rushed to the same hospital.

The investigation is being led by Rio’s homicide divisions, and authorities have appealed to the public for information to identify and locate the attackers.