The execution of seven people in a public square in a northeastern Brazilian city late on Wednesday by unknown gunmen sparked horror in what authorities described as “unacceptable”.

Local TV channel Verdes Mares broadcast CCTV footage showing the perpetrators leading their victims into the square, with their hands on their heads and lined up side by side.

The broadcaster said the victims were in a bar near the square when the attackers attacked them in several vehicles, with the shootings taking place at around 3am in the town of Vicosa do Ceara.

“Security forces are investigating the death of seven people”the security secretariat of the state of Sierra told X social network, adding that two others were wounded by bullets.

“This episode of violence is unacceptable”said the Governor of Ceará, Elmano de Freitas.

Vicosa do Ceara is a city of approximately 60,000 inhabitants located 350 kilometers (217 mi) west of Fortaleza.

Ceará is one of Brazil’s poorest and most violent states, with a homicide rate of 35.5 per 100,000 residents, according to the NGO Public Security Forum.