SAO PAULO — Authorities in Brazil are looking into the fatalities of two individuals who died during an assault on a workers’ settlement located in the state of Sao Paulo, as reported on Saturday.

The Landless Workers Movement, known as MST, revealed that a group of ten intruders invaded a settlement in Tremembe, approximately 90 miles (145 kilometers) northeast of Sao Paulo, and opened fire on its members late Friday evening.

State police confirmed that Gleison Barbosa de Carvalho, aged 28, and Valdir do Nascimento, 52, were killed in the attack, while six additional individuals were sent to the hospital with injuries.

According to police, one suspect has been apprehended, and the inquiry is ongoing, focusing on potential charges relating to homicide, attempted homicide, and possession of a firearm without legal permission.

“Victims’ testimonies indicated that assailants in vehicles and on motorcycles initiated the shooting,” stated local law enforcement in their official release.

Founded in 1984, the MST is regarded as one of the most significant and influential social movements in Latin America, primarily advocating for the occupation of land deemed unproductive.

The MST further stated that the targeted settlement has been facing significant threats from real estate developers due to its advantageous position near tourist destinations.

“For years, the families residing in these settlements have encountered continual intimidation and coercion, despite multiple complaints lodged with both state and federal authorities,” the movement expressed.

Brazil’s Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Agriculture, Paulo Teixeira, condemned the incident, calling it “a very serious crime” in a post on X on Saturday afternoon. He noted that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has directed him to visit Tremembe to oversee the ongoing investigation.

The Justice Ministry announced that federal police would also be conducting an investigation into the matter. Attorney General Jorge Messias emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive inquiry to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.