A shooting killed two people and injured at least nine others in the early hours of Thursday (4) in the Barreiro district of Belo Horizonte.
According to the military police, a confrontation took place between members of two rival criminal organizations. However, relatives of the injured reported that some of those injured by bullets were participating in a barbecue party and had nothing to do with the crime.
The injured were transferred to João 23 Hospital, and their health condition was not reported.
So far, 12 people have been arrested, according to Deputy Governor Mateus Simões (PSD). Civil police say the incident is ongoing.
According to information from the Prime Minister, the confrontation took place during a barbecue after a football match.
The group that was there was reportedly surprised by men emerging from a car and two motorcycles wearing what were supposed to be Minas Gerais civilian police uniforms. The scan will determine if the clothing is actually from the company or a simulation.
According to the Prime Minister, the target was one of the leaders of the faction operating in Barreiro, who was present at the rally under the protection of the organization’s security guards.
The driver of the car was found dead with a rifle on his body, according to agents. The other victim arrived and was taken to Julia Kubitschek Hospital and did not survive.
The police did not reveal the identities and backgrounds of the victims.
The Deputy Governor commented on the incident during a press conference on Thursday morning. He stated that this is a confrontation between factions from Rio and São Paulo “who are trying to settle in Minas Gerais.”
“We will continue to work as we did in the first hours of the day. Firstly, without fear, and secondly, with all our employees, to ensure that people are arrested. But we will also demand a legislative reaction so that we can sanction the use of uniforms by our authorities in another way,” Simoes said.