Stray bullets have been making their way into the Olympic equestrian centre in Rio de Janeiro, prompting security concerns.
The first incident happened Sunday, when a military bullet flew threw the tent of the equestrian office in Deodoro. Although no injuries were reported, the bullet pierced the tent as international media were breaking for lunch.
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“The bullet landed nearest to British photographer Jon Stroud — who is here working for the British Equestrian Federation (BEF),” read a report by UK publication Horse and Hound. “The bullet landed on the carpet and did not pierce it.”
The bullet was identified as a 5.56mm assault rifle round.
According to Reuters, Brazil’s defense minister said it may have been fired by a gang member trying to shoot down a police blimp.
Then, on Wednesday, a bullet was found inside the equestrian centre near the stables. A statement from Rio’s organizing committee said security is was on-site trying to determine where the bullet came from.
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The Deodoro equestrian centre is located next to a military complex and riders and spectators have reported hearing gunshots during events, Reuters reported.
This isn’t the first security worry at Rio. Two windows were shattered Tuesday when an Olympic bus carrying journalists was hit by an unknown projectile. There were no serious injuries.
“We don’t know yet if the bus was shot, or it was a stone,” organizing committee spokesman Mario Andrada told The Associated Press.
Twelve journalists on the bus suffered minor injuries. Two windows were shattered, with tiny chards of glass remaining in place.
– With files from The Associated Press
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