17 killed in shooting spree in Sao Paulo

In less than two hours, Militarized Police reported eight attacks in Osasco and another two in Barueri, both satellite cities of Sao Paulo, in which 13 and 3 people were murdered, respectively, while another six were wounded.

“This is very serious and merits a special investigation”, said Sao Paulo state Security Secretary Alexandre de Moraes.

He urged caution over suggestions that the murders – in the Osasco, Barueri and Itapevi neighborhoods – were revenge attacks by police officers.

The mayor of Osasco, Jorge Lapas, said video footage supports a theory that the killings could have been reprisals for the earlier death of a police officer. According to police the 10 people were shot dead after hooded men got out of a auto and opened fire.

Not far away, one young man was shot outside an ice cream store, and another was shot by two men riding a motorcycle.

Local reports also suggested that some of the weapons used in the attacks, which took place over a three-hour period, were restricted to the military.

At least seven other people were injured in the shootings.

Citing witnesses, Mr Moraes said that in at least two instances, gunmen wearing face masks arrived and asked who had criminal histories. Those who said they had were shot.