Shooting disrupts Bolsonaro-backed Sao Paulo candidate's campaign stop

A Sao Paulo gubernatorial candidate's campaign event in the Paraisopolis neighbourhood came to an abrupt halt on Monday when gunfire erupted outside.

Paraisopolis is one of Brazil's biggest favelas, or slums, and videos of the moment from local media show journalists and Tarcsio Gomes de Freitas crouching below windows.

Sao Paulo Gov. Rodrigo Garcia said in a statement that he had ordered an investigation.

Osvaldo Nico, the head of the state's police, said in a press conference there was a shooting in the region and one person was killed, but that the incident had no connection with de Freitas' visit.

On Twitter, de Freitas characterized the shooting as an attack by criminals.

Sao Paulo is the most populous state and its biggest economic power, making its race for governor prominent in any election. But this year there is heightened attention, with the contest seen as a proxy for the presidential race between President Jair Bolsonaro and former President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva.