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Video shot Sunday by an Associated Press journalist shows what appears to be a Brazilian policeman firing a pistol into a crowd of protesters.
The video, shown below, was taken near Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium just before the start of Sunday evening's match between Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Authorities told the AP that the protesters had thrown Molotov cocktails at riot police, which prompted the response.
Protests have been ongoing and widespread leading up to the World Cup and through the first week. On Thursday -- the Cup's opening day -- tear gas was dispersed through a crowd of protesters.
Crowds Sunday chanted "FIFA, go back to Switzerland." Protesters are upset with Brazil's extravagant public spending to host the Cup while other services, such as hospitals and schools, have taken a backseat in their view.
Dave Zirin, sports editor at The Nation, was near the scene Sunday and recounted the events on his Twitter feed.
Brazilian undercover cops walking through protest are proudly obvious. Practically whistling while they walk. Eating ice cream #RioCupWatch
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) June 15, 2014
500 people chanting "there will be no World Cup." So many automatic weapons encircling them. #RioCupWatch
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) June 15, 2014
Police with baseball bat length nightsticks trailing 500 who took the streets. http://t.co/OuHIzrncAX
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) June 15, 2014
Businesses along march route shutting down.
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) June 15, 2014
Police just fired tear gas. Shit burns. Remarkably brutal show of force for 500 protestors. pic.twitter.com/U11M683QyG
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) June 15, 2014
Tourists cheering police were accidentally gassed. Not cheering now. Scattered. Cleared out whole bar. #RioCupWatch
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) June 15, 2014
No injuries to either protesters or police have been reported.
