Santa Fe police thwart violent attempt to occupy Olympic Village

Police in Santa Fe, Argentina, prevented a violent attempt to occupy the Villa Suramericana, a housing complex built for the South American Games. The incident occurred on Friday night in the La Esmeralda Este II neighborhood.

Authorities reported that the attempt was not spontaneous, citing a circulating audio message that encouraged women to bring children and sticks to force entry into the 346 dwellings. The provincial Ministry of Security had reportedly detected the organized call on social media prior to the event.

During the confrontation, police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse groups attempting to enter the premises. The operation resulted in eight people being detained, including a 24-year-old woman accused of attempted usurpation and resistance to authority, and a 15-year-old boy for damaging a police vehicle.

Government spokesperson Virginia Coudannes stated that the provincial government is investigating whether political organizations instigated the movement. The housing units are intended to be allocated to residents through a formal registration and selection process.