A three-year-old girl shot by police during a traffic stop in Brazil died Saturday from her injuries, officials stated, in a case that garnered widespread condemnation, including from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The girl, Heloisa dos Santos Silva, died Saturday morning of cardiorespiratory arrest after being hospitalized for nine days with gunshot wounds, according to the health department for Duque de Caxias, near Rio de Janeiro.
As per relatives and witnesses, investigators she and her family were traveling home on September 7 when federal highway police signaled them to stop, then opened fire on their car, striking the girl in the neck and shoulder.
According to federal prosecutors, who demanded the arrest of the three policemen involved on Friday, the girl’s father told investigators he was bringing the car to a stop when police opened fire.
The authorities stated that they were pursuing the vehicle because it had been reported stolen.
As per the reports, the cop who fired the bullets told investigators he heard gunfire and thought they were coming from the car.
Other than the cops, the family, and witnesses claimed no shots were fired.
Prosecutors have requested that federal police conduct an investigation.
In a tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter, Lula condemned the shooting. He tweeted, “The girl died of gunshots fired by those who are supposed to protect the people. This simply cannot happen”, through his official ‘X’ handle.
In Brazil, gun violence and police killings are common tragedies.
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