The Carandiru Penitentiary was established in São Paulo, Brazil, and became infamous for severe overcrowding and inadequate living conditions. Tensions escalated among the inmates, leading to violent clashes that erupted into a full-scale riot. The primary catalyst for the riot was the ongoing frustration over the deplorable prison conditions, coupled with the lack of adequate healthcare and food supplies. Local authorities decided to intervene militarily as a means of restoring order. The situation turned into a tragedy when the military police engaged with the inmates, employing heavy-handed tactics that resulted in significant loss of life. Reports indicate that the military police came in with rifles and began firing indiscriminately, targeting the prisoners in their cells and on the grounds of the penitentiary.

In the aftermath, the governmental response faced intense scrutiny from both national and international observers. Investigations into the actions of the military police was launched, highlighting not only the loss of life but also the broader issues of human rights and prison reform. The event sparked nationwide protests and calls for reforms within the Brazilian penal system. It became a pivotal moment in Brazil's discourse on crime, punishment, and the treatment of prisoners, drawing comparisons to other high-profile instances of state violence in the country’s history.