The headline in today's newspaper O Estado de São Paulo: "PCC [the organized crime gang] Suspends Rebellions, but Rumors and Panic Paralyze SP." That about sums it up. Below I'm including the alert circulated today by the U.S. Consulate in São Paulo.

Bill Hinchberger Editor BrazilMax São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Consular Warden Message

Sao Paulo May 15, 2006

The U.S. Consulate General would like to alert American Citizens traveling to and living in São Paulo to an increase of organized crime violence over the weekend in the State of Sao Paulo. In response to the transfer of prisoners from Sao Paulo city prisons to interior jails, gang violence has increased, mainly directed at the state security forces, resulting in over 70 deaths throughout the state, including 36 police officers. Of the 150 attacks against state police personnel and facilities, only ten have occurred in the greater Sao Paulo urban area. At this point the attacks have not targeted non-security force Brazilian citizens, Americans or other foreigners. It appears that the two non-security Brazilians who were killed became victims due to their close proximity to police personnel. Many city buses have been burned, but the riders were allowed to exit before the vehicles were destroyed. Several ATM machines have also been targeted.

American citizens are advised to review their personal security and take precautions when necessary. Motorists should be cognizant of police roadblocks and checkpoints and use alternative routes when available. We recommend that any American planning to visit a local prison postpone that visit; if a visit must be made, the prison administration should be contacted first.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department\'s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Specific information on Brazil may be found in the Consular Information Sheet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis pa/tw/cis/cis 1072.html. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/

American Citizen Services Unit U.S. Consulate General Sao Paulo Tel. (11) 5186-7000 Fax (11) 5186-7159 acsinfosaopaulo@state.gov