Today In History logo TIH
The hostage was shot by police, not by Sandro. That detail got buried fast. Sand
Featured Event 2000 Event

June 12

Bus 174 Hostage Crisis in Rio: The Standoff Broadcast Live

The hostage was shot by police, not by Sandro. That detail got buried fast. Sandro Rosa do Nascimento had survived the 1993 Candelária massacre as a child — eight street kids killed by off-duty officers — and spent years homeless on Rio's streets before boarding Bus 174 with a gun. The four-hour standoff played out live on Brazilian television, cameras pressed against the windows. When it ended, the hostage Geisa Firmo Gonçalves was dead from a police bullet. Sandro died in custody shortly after. Brazil had watched everything — and still missed what actually happened.

June 12, 2000

26 years ago

Key Figures & Places

What Else Happened on June 12

Talk to History

Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.

Start Talking