Police Rescue 13 Children Held Hostage at Kindergarten in Curitiba, Brazil

Brazilian police have rescued 13 children who were taken hostage at a kindergarten in Curitiba, a city in southern Brazil, after fatally shooting the suspect who threatened to set fire to the building. The incident occurred on Friday, and at least one child was reported injured, according to Alexandre Lopes Dias, commander of the military police special forces unit in Parana state. The police spokesperson, Leticia Martins, stated that the suspect jumped over a gate, broke into a classroom, and held the children hostage. He reportedly spread a flammable liquid in the room and held a lighter while carrying a knife and what was initially believed to be a firearm, which was later identified as fake. Martins noted that the police negotiating teams were present but ultimately decided to neutralize the suspect due to the escalating situation. The suspect was identified as a man with schizophrenia, though his identity was not disclosed. The negotiations lasted up to three hours, during which the children became increasingly agitated, and the suspect began to physically assault them. Lopes Dias explained that the decision for a tactical intervention was made to prevent further harm. Local media captured footage of distressed parents outside the school during the negotiations. Following the intervention, officers were seen carrying some of the children out of the classroom. Curitiba Mayor Eduardo Pimentel confirmed on Instagram that all 13 children were safe. The city has stated that the children and school staff will receive psychological support. This incident follows a series of attacks on schools in Brazil, including a notable attack in April 2023 where a man killed four children at a daycare in Blumenau.