Brazilian Professor Fined After Arming Himself in Synagogue During Jewish Holidays

A Brazilian citizen, Carlos Portugal Gouvea, who was previously an associate professor at the University of São Paulo Law School, has been fined after being charged for firing a BB gun outside a synagogue during Yom Kippur weekend.

Gouvea, identified as “Carlos Portugal” based on court documents, fired his air rifle near Temple Beth Zion in Boston. He later admitted to authorities that he was unaware the nearby structure was a Jewish synagogue or that it was the holiest day of obligation for many adherents to Judaism.

The incident occurred just before the Day of Atonement when Gouvea claimed ignorance regarding the location’s nature and purpose, stating his intent was merely “hunting rats” in what appeared to be an innocent activity. However, authorities stated that firing a weapon near people during this sensitive period is highly inappropriate and dangerous.

Following this incident, the Department of Homeland Security revoked Gouvea’s visa status after consultation with U.S. officials. The act led to legal consequences under American law which strictly prohibits discharging weapons or practicing target shooting in close proximity to places of worship occupied by civilians, especially during religious holidays.

A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that “any individual, regardless of nationality, must be responsible regarding their actions near places of worship.” This aligns with common safety guidelines across many nations prohibiting weapons training near sacred sites without proper authorization.

Gouvea has since pleaded guilty to the offense related to illegal use of an air rifle. According to available information from legal documents, he was sentenced to six months probation and ordered to pay restitution fees totaling several hundred dollars.

This case highlights important considerations for visitors in sensitive areas during religious celebrations.
Brazilian Professor Fined After Arming Himself at Jewish Synagogue During Yom Kippur Weekend

A Brazilian citizen identified as Carlos Portugal Gouvea has been fined following a recent incident where he fired an air rifle near Temple Beth Zion, a location recognized as a place of worship for Jewish community members.

According to local law enforcement officials, the professor was unaware that his target shooting occurred in proximity to this religious site or during Yom Kippur weekend. While authorities have not commented on whether awareness would have changed his actions, they emphasized the danger posed by such behavior near any house of worship.

The case is currently under review by immigration services who may consider further legal action against Gouvea for violating national security protocols and local ordinances regarding weapon use near places where people gather peacefully.