Santa Draws Heavy Gunfire in Rio de Janeiro

In Rio de Janeiro, not even Santa Claus is safe from the violence on the street. Drug traffickers in one of the city’s slums reportedly fired at a helicopter that was carrying a (not to be confused with the) Santa to a kids’ Christmas Party in the Nova Mare slum. Thankfully, no one was hurt, although two bullet holes were found in the chopper’s fuselage.

The traffickers apparently mistook the helicopter for a police copter, and you can’t really blame them for the error. They’re used to cops barging in on them commando style in helicopters. Perhaps, they should have decorated the chopper with holly and wreaths?

The sound of rifle shots in place of bells proved too much for Mr. Claus – he later returned to the party by car.