Rio de Janeiro violent lethality rises 25% in July

The Institute of Public Security (ISP) reported a 25% increase in violent lethality in the state of Rio de Janeiro during July 2026 compared to July 2025. The total number of victims reached 301, up from 240 in the previous year.

This increase was driven primarily by a 27% rise in homicides and a 45% increase in deaths resulting from confrontations with police. Femicide cases also rose, with six recorded in July 2026 compared to four in July 2025. Despite the monthly spike, the cumulative data from January to July shows a 6% decrease in overall violent lethality compared to the same period last year.

Geographically, five Integrated Public Security Areas (Aisps) accounted for one-third of the state's violent deaths. The 18th BPM area in Jacarepaguá recorded the highest number of deaths with 25, attributed to territorial disputes between traffickers from the Comando Vermelho and militias. Other high-incidence areas included Duque de Caxias, Olaria, Irajá, and Belford Roxo.