Pernambuco Identifies 14 Suspects, Bolsters Security After Tourists Beaten in Porto de Galinhas

Overview

• Governor Raquel Lyra condemned the assault as a “serious crime,” apologized to visitors, and said those identified will be indicted.
• State authorities activated intelligence units, held a coordination meeting with police, justice officials and the Ipojuca municipality, and ordered immediate reinforcement on the beach.
• The victims, Johnny Andrade and Cleiton Zanatta from Mato Grosso, say a quoted R$50 fee was raised to R$80 at payment, after which multiple vendors attacked them until lifeguards intervened.
• Medical exams found no fractures, but the couple reported no ambulance availability and a lack of X‑ray equipment in Porto de Galinhas, requiring app‑based transport to a nearby hospital.
• The couple alleges homophobic abuse during the beating, while vendor representatives deny a bias motive and say they will await the outcome of the investigation.