A gang of bank robbers stormed the Brazilian city of Araçatuba, robbing banks, tying hostages to the roof of cars and murdering at least three people.
Araçatuba Bank Robberies: Facts You Need
Attacks Killed Three, Bombs Planted. “The mayhem in Araçatuba, a city that is home to some 200,000 in São Paulo state, left at least three people dead, police officials said Monday morning. The mayor urged residents to stay home while police experts sought to defuse 14 makeshift bombs that were installed in the downtown area as part of the assault.” [New York Times]
Police Headquarters Attacked. “Raiders attacked the local police headquarters and blocked roads into the city using burned-out cars to stop reinforcements from arriving, before kidnapping terrified locals at gunpoint.” [Daily Mail]
Robbers Flew Drone Over City. “The group flew a drone over Araçatuba during the raid, according to local reports, to track movements throughout the city. People who were still out in the city square at midnight were taken as hostages.” [Washington Post]
More Than 20 People Were In Gang. “Officials said more than 20 people took part in the heist, blocking off roads with burning vehicles and placing explosive devices across the city.” [Yahoo! News]
Video of Araçatuba bank robbers:
Aflição total, meu Deus, oremos por todas essas pessoas que estão sendo feitas de reféns nesse mega assalto aqui em Araçatuba 😭😭😭 #Araçatuba #OremPorAraçatuba pic.twitter.com/lBo4Ti2rk0
— thales (@thalespatrizzi) August 30, 2021
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.