Man shoots delivery man in Taquara for refusing to go upstairs for delivery in Rio de Janeiro Por Luís Henrique Costa
7 min de leitura
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A delivery worker was shot on the night of August 29, 2025, in the Merck area, Taquara, Jacarepaguá, West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, after refusing to go up to an apartment to make a delivery. The shooter, still unidentified by authorities, reportedly argued with the delivery worker before firing a shot that hit the victim in the leg. The incident, captured by security cameras, sparked outrage on social media, with videos and images widely shared. TV Record was at the scene covering the event, and the Civil Police are investigating, seeking witnesses and additional footage to identify the perpetrator. The victim was rescued and taken to a hospital, but their health condition was not detailed as of this report’s closure. The episode reignites debates about the safety of app-based delivery workers in Rio.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in a condominium in the Merck area, a commercial and residential hub in Taquara. According to initial reports, the delivery worker, whose identity was not disclosed, informed the client they would wait at the entrance, following common safety protocols. The client, dissatisfied, came down to the location, starting an argument that culminated in the shooting. Security camera footage shows the moment of the aggression, with the delivery worker on the ground and the shooter fleeing quickly.
- Reason for the dispute: refusal to go up to the apartment.
- Crime location: condominium in Merck, Taquara, Jacarepaguá.
- Immediate response: victim rescued by bystanders and taken to hospital.
- Investigation: Civil Police analyzing footage and seeking witnesses.
The news gained traction after the local news page @gardeniaazulnoticias shared videos on its stories, showing the shooter and the injured delivery worker. The rapid spread of the images fueled outrage, with internet users demanding justice and greater protection for app-based workers.
Social media repercussions
The case’s spread on social media was immediate, with videos and photos circulating on platforms like Instagram and X. The @gardeniaazulnoticias page, which posted the initial content, encouraged followers to follow updates on its stories, boosting the news’ reach. Users expressed anger at the violence against the delivery worker, highlighting the vulnerability of workers dealing directly with the public. A post on X by @RjMilicia described the shooter as someone “acting tough” and emphasized the severity of the incident, noting the shot to the victim’s leg. The online outcry pressured authorities to act quickly, with calls for justice and the shooter’s identification.
The outrage also brought forward reports from other delivery workers, who shared experiences of threats and assaults during work. Many highlighted the lack of support from delivery platforms in cases of violence, demanding more effective protection measures.
- Online reactions: users demand justice and shooter’s identification.
- Visibility: videos on @gardeniaazulnoticias stories go viral.
- Demands: delivery workers call for more safety and platform support.
Context of violence against delivery workers
Cases of violence against app-based delivery workers are not new in Rio de Janeiro. In March 2024, a similar incident occurred in Praça Saiqui, Vila Valqueire, also in the North Zone, where a military police officer shot a delivery worker after a dispute over a delivery. The victim, Nilton Ramon de Oliveira, was left in critical condition. That case, handled by the 28th Police Station (Praça Seca), sparked protests by delivery workers demanding greater safety. In another incident in Laranjeiras in July 2025, a delivery worker was slapped in the face by a penal officer, also over delivery-related issues.
These cases highlight a pattern of violence against app-based workers, often triggered by trivial disputes. Data from Rio’s Public Security Secretariat shows that crimes against delivery workers, including robberies and assaults, rose 15% in 2024 compared to 2023. The vulnerability of these workers, who often operate alone and at night, is an aggravating factor.
- Previous incidents: cases in Vila Valqueire and Laranjeiras in 2024 and 2025.
- Statistics: 15% increase in crimes against delivery workers in 2024.
- Risk factor: delivery workers operate alone, often at night.
- Demands: greater protection and platform support.
Police action and investigation
The Civil Police, through the 32nd Police Station (Taquara), took over the investigation of the Merck case. Authorities are analyzing security camera footage from the condominium and nearby streets to identify the shooter. Witnesses, including building residents and those who assisted the delivery worker, are being interviewed. So far, there is no information on the suspect’s arrest, but the police are working with the hypothesis of bodily injury, which may be reclassified depending on the victim’s condition.
TV Record, which covered the case on-site, aired footage of the delivery worker being rescued and interviewed bystanders who witnessed the incident. The broadcaster highlighted the speed with which the case gained attention, reinforcing pressure for a response from authorities. The investigation also seeks to determine if the shooter has a criminal record or if the shooting was premeditated.
- Procedures: analysis of footage and witness statements.
- Responsible station: 32nd Police Station (Taquara).
- Initial hypothesis: bodily injury, with possible reclassification.
- Media coverage: TV Record airs footage and interviews bystanders.
Demands for safety
The violence against delivery workers has reignited debates about protection measures for these professionals. Associations of motorcycle couriers and app-based delivery workers, such as the Rio de Janeiro Motorcycle Couriers Association, are demanding concrete actions from platforms, such as stricter client identification and legal support in cases of aggression. In 2022, after a robbery-murder case in São Paulo involving a fake delivery worker, companies like iFood announced measures to improve safety, such as identity verification systems. However, delivery workers say these initiatives remain insufficient.
Another issue raised is the need for public policies to protect informal workers. Bills in progress in the Chamber of Deputies, such as Bill 1234/2023, propose specific regulations for delivery workers, including insurance against accidents and assaults. Meanwhile, delivery workers are organizing protests to demand change, as seen in September 2020 in São Paulo after similar cases.
- Proposals: stricter client identification and legal support.
- Bills: Bill 1234/2023 aims to protect delivery workers.
- Protests: mobilizations in 2020 and 2024 for more safety.
- Criticisms: delivery workers consider current measures insufficient.
Impact on the local community
The Merck case shocked Taquara residents, who report growing insecurity in the area. The region, known for its commercial activity, has seen a rise in violent crimes, such as robberies and shootings, especially in nearby communities like Curicica and Cidade de Deus. A post on X by @bnn_oficial mentioned shootouts between criminal groups in the 2 Irmãos Community in Curicica the same week as the incident, highlighting the tense climate.
Residents of the condominium where the crime occurred expressed concern about the lack of security at entrances and are demanding measures like enhanced camera monitoring and police presence. The violence also affects the routine of other delivery workers, who report fear of working in certain West Zone areas at night.
- Local concern: rise in violent crimes in Taquara.
- Demands: more cameras and police presence in condominiums.
- Impact: delivery workers avoid certain areas due to fear of assaults.
- Context: shootouts in nearby communities heighten insecurity.
