Three men were injured in the early hours of Wednesday after gunshots were fired from a moving vehicle along Rua do Benformoso in Lisbon’s Martim Moniz area, prompting a large scale police response and renewed concern over public safety in the neighbourhood.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after midnight when reports emerged of shots being fired from a car passing through the busy street, which is known for its dense residential buildings, small businesses and diverse immigrant communities. The victims, aged between 29 and 43, were struck during the incident and received immediate assistance at the scene before being transported to Hospital de São José.
One of the men suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was admitted in critical condition. Hospital sources indicate he underwent emergency surgery overnight and remains under close medical supervision. The other two victims sustained injuries that authorities described as non life threatening. One man was hit in the foot, while the third sustained a head injury. Both were treated at the same hospital and are reported to be stable.
According to initial information provided the Public Security Police, the shots were fired from inside a motor vehicle that fled the scene. Investigators are still working to identify the vehicle and those involved. No arrests had been announced at the time of writing.
Officers from the Polícia Judiciária were called in to support the investigation, given the seriousness of the crime. Forensic teams combed the area throughout the night and recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the attack, along with several spent bullet casings. The weapon will undergo ballistic analysis to determine whether it has been linked to other incidents.
Rua do Benformoso has been under increased police attention in recent months following previous operations targeting suspected criminal networks operating in the area. The street has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade, becoming one of Lisbon’s most culturally diverse districts. While many residents describe the area as vibrant and commercially active, it has also faced challenges related to overcrowding and security concerns.
Authorities have temporarily reinforced police patrols in Martim Moniz to reassure residents and prevent further incidents. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearbusinesses and residential buildings in an effort to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
Local officials have not yet commented publicly on whether the shooting was a targeted attack or a random act of violence. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues to gather witness statements and examine forensic evidence.
