RIO BRANCO, Brazil — A devastating school shooting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 has left the capital of northwestern Acre state in a state of deep mourning and shock. A 13-year-old student opened fire at the Instituto Sao Jose in Rio Branco, resulting in the deaths of two female staff members and injuries to several others.

The attack unfolded around the start of the school day when the teenage suspect entered the junior high school and began firing in a hallway leading toward the principal’s office. Eyewitnesses described scenes of absolute terror as students scrambled for safety.

The shooting resulted in the immediate deaths of two female staff members from gunshot wounds. Additionally, another staff member and an 11-year-old girl, who was shot in the leg, were rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Amid the chaos, witnesses described a desperate escape as students were seen leaping over a six-meter-high wall and seeking refuge on the school's roof to evade the gunfire.

The 13-year-old suspect surrendered to police shortly after the attack and was taken into custody. Authorities confirmed that the weapon used was a .380-caliber pistol belonging to the suspect's stepfather, who has also been detained. Additionally, military police indicated they have identified other students who may have cooperated with the attacker during the incident.

Acre Governor Mailza Assis expressed "deep solidarity" with the victims' families and the entire educational community. In response to the tragedy, the state government took immediate action by suspending classes for three days at all schools across the state. Additionally, specialized support teams have been mobilized to provide counseling to traumatized students, teachers, and staff members.

This incident follows a troubling rise in violence at Brazilian educational institutions over the past several years, including fatal attacks in the states of Ceara and Sao Paulo. As the investigation continues the community of Rio Branco remains gripped by a sense of profound loss and an urgent call for increased school security.