Police Ops Drive Brazil's Gun Violence in 2026

What does the Fogo Cruzado report reveal about police operations?

The Instituto Fogo Cruzado released its semi-annual report on July 29, 2026, covering January to June 2026 across four metropolitan regions: Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Belém and Salvador — a total of 57 municipalities. The findings are stark: police actions and operations now account for 39% of all recorded shootings, up from 33% in the first half of 2025.

How many people were shot during the period?

At least 2,511 shootings were recorded, leaving 2,403 people shot. Of those, 1,628 died and 775 were injured. Police operations alone were responsible for 989 shootings, resulting in 584 deaths and 317 injuries.

What is happening in Rio de Janeiro and Recife?

In Greater Rio de Janeiro, at least 976 shootings were mapped. Police forces were involved in 47% of cases — the highest level recorded for a first half-year since 2017. Despite an overall downward trend in total shootings, police involvement keeps rising.

In Greater Recife, 645 shootings were recorded — the lowest figure since 2019. However, the number of shootings involving police operations hit a historic high for the region, with 60 incidents accounting for 9% of the total. Robberies ending in gunshot victims are also becoming more frequent.

Are armed groups also expanding?

Yes. Despite increased police presence, armed groups such as criminal factions and militias are advancing. The number of people shot in disputes between armed groups rose 12%, from 181 victims in the first half of 2025 to 203 in the same period of 2026.

What do experts say about this model?

Terine Husek Coelho, Research Manager at Instituto Fogo Cruzado, stated that for three decades the state has repeated the same formula — a public security model unable to dismantle armed groups that fails to guarantee safety for the population. She warned that insisting on a strategy whose ineffectiveness is already well known only fuels more shootings, exposes residents to crossfire and disrupts schools and health facilities.