Turmoil at Morro Dois Irmãos: Rio Police Clash Forces 200 Tourists to Take Cover

Thu Jun 11 2026 19:20:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A significant police operation targeting gang members in Rio de Janeiro's Vidigal favela resulted in hundreds of tourists being trapped during an intense gunfight.

Approximately 200 tourists found themselves stranded at the top of Morro Dois Irmãos during a police operation aimed at capturing members of the Comando Vermelho gang. The police clash created a chaotic scene, with tourists being advised to remain calm while they awaited safety. After 30 minutes, they were eventually able to descend. Witness accounts describe the tension and fear during the incident, but ultimately, the situation was resolved without injury.

Approximately 200 people were trapped at the top of a popular Rio de Janeiro tourist spot during a police operation in the Vidigal favela of the city, according to local media.

The trail leading to the top of Morro Dois Irmãos, known for its stunning views over Ipanema Beach, begins east of the neighborhood.

Officers from the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bahia and Rio's Polícia Civil were attempting to arrest alleged members of the Comando Vermelho gang believed to be hiding in Vidigal when the exchange of gunfire occurred, leaving the tourists stranded.

Video footage shared on social media shows the distressed group sitting on the ground as the sun rises, while a police helicopter hovers above and gunfire can be heard in the background.

Portuguese tourist Matilda Oliveiro, who was hoping to witness the sunrise with her sister, recounted how tour guides instructed everyone to sit as gunshots rang out. She expressed that while it was scary, the tour guides and police tried to control the situation as best they could.

After approximately 30 minutes, the tourists were able to safely make their way down the mountain.

Local guides were aware of the police operations in advance and had communicated this to the tourists, helping to mitigate panic during the event. Another tourist, Danielly Nobre, highlighted the calm reassurances from guides and police, which allowed them to descend safely and enjoy the experience, despite the initial fright.

The Comando Vermelho gang, notorious for its violent control over various local territories, has diversified its activities beyond drug trafficking, providing monopolistic access to essential services in the areas they dominate.