Local authorities in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo said that a shooter opened fire at two schools on Friday, leaving at least three people dead and 11 others hurt.
The attacks happened in the little town of Aracruz, which is located 50 miles north of Vitoria, the state seat.
Police have detained the alleged shooter, who was shown on security tape with a semi-automatic pistol, dressing in uniform, and hiding his face. Authorities have not yet named the culprit, but the 16-year-old has been recognized by local media, including CNN affiliate CNN Brasil.
The governor said the attacks took place at the Primo Bitti school and the Praia de Coqueiral Educational Center.
Speaking to the media, Public Safety minister Marcio Celante said police believe the suspect acted alone based on security video but acknowledged that further investigation was needed to ascertain more details on the incidents.
Celante also revealed some of what the security video showed.
“The first criminal action was to access the school by breaking the padlock. He had access to the teachers’ room,” Celante said, adding that “afterward, he moved to another school, where he made more victims.”
Brazil’s president-elect, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, called the incident an “absurd tragedy.”
“It’s with sadness that I was informed about the attacks at the Aracruz schools in Espirito Santo. My solidarity goes to the family of the victims in this absurd tragedy,” Lula tweeted.
Brazilian minister Victor Godoy also joined his government peers in expressing his sympathies.
“My condolences to the parents, relatives, and employees of the Primo Bitti State Elementary and Middle School and the Praia de Coqueiral Educational Center, in Aracruz. I submit for the record my repudiation of this manifestation of violence,” Godoy wrote on Twitter.