19-Year-Old Student Opens Fire at Brazilian High School, Injuring Classmate

 

A 19-year-old student, identified as Lyedja Santos, opened fire at a high school in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, on Tuesday, injuring a classmate before attempting to target a teacher. The shooting occurred at E. Berilo Wanderley School, where Santos, an 11th-grade student, reportedly shot an 18-year-old classmate in the head in a hallway.

Following the shooting, Santos entered a classroom and aimed her gun at a teacher as students were preparing for a test. However, the gun malfunctioned and jammed. A male student in the classroom quickly intervened, restraining Santos before any further harm could be done.

A student in the classroom recalled the terrifying moments, stating that the group initially mistook the sound of the gunshot for a bomb. "We didn't know for sure if it was a shot; we thought it was a bomb," the student said. "She entered the classroom armed, aimed at the teacher's head, but the gun jammed." The student's quick action helped prevent a potentially larger tragedy.

Authorities recovered a .38-caliber revolver, three knives, and several books on serial killers from Santos’ possession. A handwritten note found on her detailed the motive behind the failed massacre, with Santos expressing feelings of isolation and a desire to find "peace" through her actions. The note also included an apology to her friends and family, asking for forgiveness.

"I acted alone, I acquired everything on my own and no one knew anything about it," the note stated. "To my friends and family, I thank you for everything you have done for me, and I am sorry for everything I have caused. I would never have dreamed of dying like this, but this was the best option. I loved each and every one of you, even if I didn't show it."

The 18-year-old victim, also an 11th grader, was shot in the head but is reported to be in stable condition at Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel Hospital. He is conscious and undergoing treatment for a bullet wound, with no permanent damage expected.

Santos has been charged with attempted murder and was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. The Rio Grande do Norte Department of Education condemned the attack, emphasizing that the safety of students and staff is a top priority. The school was closed for the remainder of the week as authorities continue to investigate the incident.

This shooting follows a similar tragic event in Madison, Wisconsin, where a 15-year-old student killed a classmate and a teacher before taking her own life, further highlighting the growing concerns around student violence in schools.