Teen attacks daycare with “samurai-style” blade killing three children and two adults

Saudades, Santa Catarina, Brazil: An individual, identified only as an 18-year-old without any criminal history, entered a daycare on Tuesday, May 4 at approximately 10:00 am with what police described as a "samurai-style" short-sword or knife and attacked children and teachers inside.

The attack left three children and two adults dead.

The attacker then turned the blade on himself, reportedly cutting his own neck, torso and abdomen in an attempt to take his own life. Officers stated that, "He was taken to the hospital in critical condition."

The motive for the attack remains unknown.

In addressing media, police chief Jeronimo Marcal Ferreira stated that a fourth child had suffered "light wounds" in the attack.

The victims have not been identified, but local media has reported that the location attacked was responsible for caring for children ages 6-months to two-years-old, according to France24.

The governor, Daniela Reinehr declared three days of mourning, and the Santa Catarina state Government officials took to Twitter to express sympathy for the families.