Graphic video has recently been released that is making its
rounds on the Internet after a woman was being held hostage at a church
in Brazil. However, things take a heartbreaking turn after an unlikely
hero takes action and makes the ultimate sacrifice.
The incident took place atop the Sao Paulo Cathedral steps. Globo
reports that Luiz Antonio da Silva, 49, was visiting the church when an
argument broke out between him and a woman, prompting him to take her
hostage at gunpoint and drag her outside.
**WARNING: Graphic video.**
According to cathedral security guard Joao Nascimento, “They
entered and spent some time (in the church). They seemed to be arguing…
She wanted to leave. He grabbed her arm. They then left the church and
he assaulted her.”
Police quickly swarmed the area, but it wasn’t the officers
who would come to save the woman – not initially at least. As da Silva
held down the terrified woman on the steps, a homeless man, Erasmo
Francisco Rodrigues de Lima, 61, rushed the gunman and tackled him,
allowing for the woman to run away.
Although initially caught off guard, da Silva unfortunately
was able to regain his composure and control of his firearm before
discharging two rounds into the Good Samaritan’s chest. As the hostage
taker tried to flee, he created enough room for police to be able to
safely shoot the man.
He was subsequently hit and injured before being taken into
custody and presumably to the hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, de
Lima wasn’t so lucky, and he died on the scene. As can be seen in the
footage, he succumbs to his injuries on the church steps as he leans
against a wall before eventually slumping over.
Unilad
reports that da Silva “previously spent 22 years in prison for theft,
damage of property, and causing bodily harm.” Furthermore, since the
homeless man was slain while saving the life of an innocent woman, the
public has rallied in support of him, demanding he be given an honorable
and decent burial.
I think we can all agree that after such an act of bravery,
he is deserving of at least that much. Too often do we overlook our
fellow-man based on their outward appearance, but just look at the great
man this world missed out on.
It was only in death that society saw de Lima’s true worth. A man is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
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