3 killed in shootings at 2 Brazilian schools

BUENOS AIRES 

Three people were killed and 13 injured Friday after a gunman entered two separate schools in southeast Brazil, according to news outlet G1.

The shootings occurred at public and private schools on the same road in Aracruz -- a municipality in the state of Espirito Santo.

The gunman entered the public school carrying two pistols and fired several shots before he went to the teachers’ room and killed two teachers.

He then headed to the private school and killed a student.

The teachers were aged 48 and 45. The identity of the student has not been revealed.

The Governor of Espírito Santo, Renato Casagrande, confirmed that security forces detained the suspect after the shootings at the Primo Bitti School and the Praia de Coqueiral Educational Center.

Casagrande declared three days of mourning for what he described as "irreparable losses" and insisted authorities will continue to investigate.

President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva described "sadness" at learning about the attack.

Lula wrote on Twitter that he stood in "solidarity" with the families of victims, describing it as an "absurd tragedy."

He also offered support to Casagrande and the affected community.

The shooter was 16 years old and had been undergoing psychiatric treatment but it was unknown if he used medication, according to the Metropoles news outlet.

He allegedly used his father’s policeman gun, wore a Nazi symbol on one of his arms and was dressed in military attire when he carried out the shootings, according to Metropoles.

Classes in Aracruz have been suspended.

Authorities believe the attack was premeditated and had been planned for at least two years.