SAA event in Brazil on Sun 12th April 2026

An armed group stormed the Intercontinental Hotel in São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro, on August 21, 2010, after a confrontation with police on Niemeyer Avenue. The action moved those involved from the street into the interior of the resort complex. The scene showed about ten armed men who entered the building and held 35 people, including employees and guests, in the kitchen, threatening them with rifles and grenades. An international dentistry event was taking place at the hotel, and attendees were immobilized while BOPE units surrounded the building. “They told us not to look and to stay still,” recounted a hotel employee from one of the restricted entrances, while negotiators remained in contact with the armed occupiers. Hours later, a police presence remained at all entrances, and traffic on Niemeyer Avenue was limited. The hostages were released and control of the property was placed in the hands of the authorities.