World · Latin America · 1 day ago
Man killed and 13 children freed after Curitiba school hostage-taking
On Friday, October 9, a man took 13 children hostage at the São Braz municipal early-childhood centre in Curitiba, in southern Brazil.
Police said he had entered the centre with a knife.
Police and special operations officers responded, and the children were freed after officers entered the building and killed the man.
Authorities at the scene said the children were safe.
A later report said the man had schizophrenia and left a letter for police, but the reason for the hostage-taking was not disclosed.
The city said it was supporting the children, staff and families, including with psychological care.
A man died after taking 13 children hostage at a municipal early childhood education centre in Curitiba, Brazil.
Police entered the centre and freed all 13 children, who were reported to be well.
The incident took place at the CMEI São Braz in the São Braz neighbourhood on Friday, October 9.
The man reportedly entered with a knife; the reason for the hostage-taking was not stated.
UOL’s headline reported that the man had schizophrenia and left a letter for police.
- Who
- A man took 13 children hostage; police freed the children and the man died.
- What
- A hostage-taking at a municipal early childhood education centre ended with police intervention.
- When
- Friday, October 9, 2026.
- Where
- CMEI São Braz, in the São Braz neighbourhood of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A man entered CMEI São Braz and took 13 children hostage.
Explosions were heard, according to CNN Brasil.
Police entered the centre, neutralized the man and freed the children.
- Hostages
- 13 children
- Location
- CMEI São Braz, São Braz neighbourhood, Curitiba
- Date
- Friday, October 9, 2026
- Outcome
- All 13 children were freed and reported to be well; the man died
- Reported detail
- UOL’s headline said the man had schizophrenia and left a letter for police
What people are saying
The absolute priority at this moment is preserving the lives and integrity of everyone involved.
Sources
Curitiba reforça segurança em creche após crianças serem feitas de reféns
Sequestrador do CMEI em Curitiba sofria de esquizofrenia e deixou carta à polícia
Crianças reféns em creche de Curitiba são liberadas e homem armado é morto pela polícia
Homem é morto e 13 crianças são libertadas após sequestro em escola no PR
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