Campinas cathedral holds mass in honor of shooting victims

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Campinas, a city just outside São Paulo, is gradually returning to its regular routine after the Tuesday (Dec. 11) attack in which a gunman took the lives of four people inside the temple, then killed himself. A mass was held Wednesday (12) at the same time as the rampage.

“We know that you, family members, are crying—and so are we,” said Father Rafael Capelato during the ceremony.

“Sadness” and “tragedy” were often heard among church-goers who filled the pews.

Accountant Altair Dias, 45, said he sat right next to the shooter, but left before the attack began. “I always come in the morning or in the evening. I’m on a leave from work because I found out I have cancer,” he said.

Dias said that Euler Fernando Grandolpho, the perpetrator, was “serene” and showed no signs he was about to act violently just minutes later. Dias said he learned about the tragedy later from his daughter and from friends. “My daughter and friends know I usually come around this time, so they were worried.”

Footage from security cameras shows the moment in which the attacker stands up from a pew in the back, turns towards the people and starts to shoot. Next, two municipal guards enter the church and chase him.