Violence Rears Near Sambadrome, Officials Boost Security

(ATR) The Rio 2016 organizing committee insisted that security operations in the city were being intensified as two people were hit by stray bullets after violence erupted near a competition venue.

The incident occurred on Sunday during an exchange of gunfire between criminals and police in Paulo de Frontin Avenue in Rio’s north zone, not far from the Sambadrome where Paralympic archery is taking place.

Two occupants of a passing car were said to be hit by stray bullets, while a suspect was also shot and later died of his injuries at the Municipal Hospital Souza Aguiar. It’s understood no one involved in the Rio Games, whether competing, working or spectating, was caught up in the violence that began on Saturday and spilled over into Sunday.

Nevertheless, Rio 2016 communications chief Mario Andrada told Around the Ringsthat the security of everyone involved in the Games was their "number one priority" and that they were in constant contact with security officials.

"There was a spot of violence in the Paulo de Frontin area, this was very intense late Saturday and even more intense on Sunday afternoon," Andrada added. The police have intervened, there was a police operation in the area, they closed the Paulo de Frontin road for a while then they opened it.

"Despite this spot of violence there was no impact on the archery competition at the Sambadrome. The competition finished as expected around 7 p.m. The local authorities acted as planned to curb this pure violence outside the areas of the community where it started and there was no spill of violence that could have affected the officials, the athletes and the public.

"The proof of this is that the competition went on until the end. Obviously the security has been intensified in the area as I told you, but also the operations of intelligence have been intensified to spot new areas where the violence could take place and we follow the instructions and guidance of the local organizing authorities and obviously the security of athletes, tourists, officials and work force are our first priority.

"We are in constant talk with the security partners to make sure nobody runs any extra risk."

Reports on social media from concerned locals in Rio indicated that the violence was due to drug trafficking and rival gangs battling over territory in the Tijuca area, which also includes the Maracana stadium where the closing ceremony will take place on Sunday.

As of Monday morning, there was no reports of any more violence taking place and the two people who were injured in Sunday’s crossfire were apparently released from hospital.

Spectators were not put off by the violence, as evidenced by the relatively large numbers who turned out for the archery competition at the Sambadrome on Sunday.

Written by Christian Radnedge in Rio de Janeiro

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