Children held hostage in Curitiba: attacker had previously assaulted a woman on the subway
Children held hostage in Curitiba: daycare attacker had previously tried to push a woman onto subway tracks and was mentioned in a report about another school
TL;DR
- The man who held 13 children hostage at a Curitiba daycare was identified as José Tobias Elias da Silva.
- In 2021, he was arrested for attempting to push a woman onto subway tracks in São Paulo and was found with plans to kill others and himself, along with a schizophrenia diagnosis.
- A police report in September 2025 documented information that he was considering attacking a school near his home in Mallet, Paraná.
- During the daycare attack, he entered the facility with a knife, imitation pistol, and lighter, spreading fuel before police intervention.
- All 13 children were rescued without serious injuries.
- A letter found from the aggressor mentioned a 'massacre,' but the motivation remains unclear.
- The Curitiba City Hall announced increased security measures near the daycare, with further discussions on fixed guards and entry control planned.
- The daycare is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, with psychological support and environmental changes planned to aid the students' return.