A Brazilian man who declared that there was no God and posted a controversial video of himself burning a Bible has been found dead with multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities are treating the killing of 47-year-old Antônio Rocha de Sousa as a homicide.
De Sousa’s body was discovered on Wednesday, May 14, in Tianguá, located west of Fortaleza.
While some reports claim he was shot in the street, others suggest he was found dead in his home by locals who then alerted police.
Just 10 days before his death, De Sousa posted a video in which he held up a Bible and set it on fire, saying:
“This here is a Bible, which they say is sacred. Look what it does when faced with fire. It burns.”
He continued:
“To me, God doesn’t exist. This is just a way to enslave and manipulate people. It’s time to wake up – God doesn’t exist.”
The video drew strong reactions online and reportedly triggered a police investigation.
Authorities had already launched a probe on May 10 for theft, damage, and sacrilege, as the Bible he burned was believed to have been stolen.
De Sousa had a criminal history, including charges for grievous bodily harm (GBH).
His social media accounts contained multiple provocative posts and critical commentary on religion.
Ironically, one of his final posts referenced faith, stating:
“Follower of Christ… Born again in (Christ), among the living, who were once dead… after having been tested, tried, and approved by God.”
Police are exploring all leads, including whether his murder was connected to the viral video or his past legal troubles. No arrests have been made so far.
The case echoes that of Salwan Momika, the Iraqi man who faced international backlash after burning Qurans in Sweden. He, too, was shot and killed at his home earlier this year.
Investigations into De Sousa’s death remain ongoing.
