A dramatic shooting incident unfolded in Sorocaba, São Paulo, as lawyer Mauro Ribas Junior, representing three military police officers accused of involvement in the murder of Vinícius Gritzbach, was attacked by gunmen. According to Ribas Junior, three armed assailants approached him as he was getting into his car after leaving a construction site. Shots were fired at his vehicle, shattering the glass and causing minor injuries to his face. However, he was not hit by the bullets and managed to escape.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine if the attack is related to his role in defending the accused officers or if it was an isolated act of violence. The Sorocaba branch of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) has stated that no direct link has been established between the shooting and his legal defense work.
This incident comes just weeks after 15 military police officers were arrested in connection with the assassination of Vinícius Gritzbach, a former member of the PCC who had been cooperating with law enforcement. His execution at São Paulo’s international airport in November 2024 sent shockwaves through the country, exposing alleged police involvement in organized crime.
As the investigation progresses, questions arise about the dangers faced by legal professionals handling high-profile criminal cases. With tensions escalating in the legal and law enforcement communities, authorities are under pressure to ensure justice and safety for those involved in the case.
