Former Minas Gerais mayor shot dead while campaigning

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The Minas Gerais state PSDB issued a statement condemning the attack. “We reject all forms of violence and trust in the swift action of the gendarmerie, civil police and judicial authorities to uncover the crime and hold all those involved to exemplary accountability,” the party said.

Almeida’s team reported in a social media post that the former mayor is recovering well. “We thank God for this great deliverance and for all the prayers, love and messages we have received during these very difficult days. Fernando is at home recovering in faith and strength and surrounded by his family,” the statement read.

The opposition coalition also issued a statement of solidarity. “Police and competent authorities must take appropriate and necessary measures to ensure that those responsible for this act of violence are identified and brought to justice as soon as possible. Violence must have no place in our communities,” the statement said.

The Almeida group also said in a statement: “We reaffirm Martins Soares’ commitment to peace and legitimacy during the election period. We fully respect the will of the people and hope that the election will be held safely and normally.”

Martins Soares is the third municipality in the state of Minas Gerais to hold a by-election in preparation for the 2024 elections, and the first municipality to hold a new vote following the impeachment of the mayor and deputy (PSDB members Paulo Sérgio Pereira and Alex Sandro Franco de Andrade) for abuse of political and economic power.