Reporter Rildo de Jesus was threatened while covering a live broadcast in Salvador, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, on Monday (11).
+ Second season of “The Pitt” will address immediate consequences of Trump’s Medicaid cuts
Rildo was showing the aftermath of a shootout between members of a criminal faction and police officers when he was confronted by men who were at the scene.
“I was just threatened over there by about four men who showed up on that street,” said the reporter while riding a motorcycle.
“Even though we’re wearing bulletproof vests and police presence in the region is significantly reinforced, for safety reasons we’re going to leave this Chapada area,” he stated.
Presenters Vanderson Nascimento and Andrea Silva commented on the dramatic scene.
“We know the news is important, but nothing is worth more than our lives. We can’t take it anymore, at any time of day or night, anywhere,” they said.
The network issued a statement defending reporter Rildo de Jesus and condemning the threat he faced.
“During the segment on Bahia Meio Dia, an armed, still unidentified man ordered him to leave the area. To preserve his safety, Rildo left the area and narrated the incident while on the move,” the statement said.
“It is unacceptable that media professionals become targets of intimidation, aggression or any form of restriction on the exercise of their role, which is essential for freedom of expression and the public’s right to information,” it continued.
The network reported that the reporter arrived safely at the studio.
Photos: Instagram @rildodejesusoficial and X @brenno__moura. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
TV Bahia cameraman threatened by drug traffickers in Nordeste de Amaralina, in Salvador. Presenter Vanderson spoke out after the situation. #BahiaMeioDia pic.twitter.com/ttRUfEkApp
— Brenno (@brenno__moura) August 11, 2025
