A police operation against the Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's Alemão and Penha complexes resulted in 64 deaths on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, including four officers. The raid triggered criminal reprisals with barricades and drone-launched bombs, alongside a heated dispute between federal and state governments over security support. Left- and right-wing politicians seized the event to push proposals and blame each other ahead of the 2026 elections.
The Operação Contenção, launched on the morning of October 28, 2025, aimed to execute 69 arrest warrants at 180 addresses in the Alemão and Penha complexes, home to 26 communities. The official toll is 64 deaths — 60 suspects and four officers (two civilian, two military) —, 81 arrests, and the seizure of 72 rifles. The Comando Vermelho retaliated with barricades of buses and trucks, burning tires, and drone-launched bombs against police and civilians, blocking roads like Avenida Brasil and Linha Amarela. This caused mobility chaos: rush hour advanced by four hours, schools and universities like UFRJ and UERJ suspended classes, and 71 buses were used as barriers, affecting 204 lines, per Rio Ônibus.
Governor Cláudio Castro (PL) stated Rio is 'alone in this war' and criticized the lack of federal support, claiming denial of three prior requests for Defense Ministry armored vehicles — though not for this operation. In a video, he requested and secured approval to transfer ten CV leaders, such as My Thor and Waguinho de Cabo Frio, to federal prisons, stressing 'integration and dialogue.' The Justice Ministry, via statement and Minister Ricardo Lewandowski's press conference, denied receiving aid requests for the operation and listed crime-fighting investments. Lewandowski countered: the governor must 'assume his responsibilities' or request GLO, federal intervention, or state of siege.
Lula allies like Edinho Silva (PT) accused Castro of 'politicizing' the 'disaster' and backed the stalled PEC da Segurança in Congress to federalize investigations. Gleisi Hoffmann tweeted on its urgency. From the opposition, Sóstenes Cavalcante (PL-RJ) shared a montage of Lula in a 'CPX' cap, implying complicity, while Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) referenced Lula's remark on traffickers as 'victims.' Governors Romeu Zema (MG) labeled factions 'terrorists,' and Ronaldo Caiado (GO) praised Castro. Rio's Public Prosecutor's Office sent experts for independent autopsies, per STF's ADPF das Favelas. Groups like OAB, DPU, and Human Rights Watch criticized the operation for endangering civilians, with César Muñoz calling it a 'tragedy' requiring probes.
An emergency meeting with Alckmin occurred that afternoon, including ministers like Rui Costa and Gleisi Hoffmann. Lula, back from Asia, discussed with Rui that night. For October 29, a federal delegation with Lewandowski and Rui is set to meet Castro in Rio, despite a dispute over venue — federal prefers Rio, governor Brasília.