Francisco Erasmo Rodrigues de Lima, a 61-year-old homeless man, didn’t falter when he spotted a terrified woman in the arms of a gunman.
Instead, he rushed up the steps of Sao Paulo Cathedral and tackled Luiz Antonio da Silva to the ground, giving his female victim the precious few minutes she needed to run to safety.
However, when the gunman regained his balance, he was quick to take revenge on the Good Samaritan.
Firing his gun at point-blank range, he sent a bullet into Francisco’s chest, causing him to collapse on the steps of the Brazilian cathedral.
He died of his wounds not much later.
Police then rained bullets upon Luiz Antonio da Silva, killing the 49-year-old as horrified bystanders watched.
He had recently finished a 22-year prison sentence for crimes including robbery, theft, drugs trafficking and assault.
Local police said in a statement: “An armed criminal targeted a victim and announced a hold-up.
“A passer-by saw what was happening and on intervening, was injured by shots fired by the criminal.
“The passer-by died at the scene."
They continued: “Meanwhile the victim, who was also injured, was helped by local police at the scene where she received medical attention.
“Military police who were close by were informed by witnesses and on reaching the place the witnesses indicated, there was a confrontation.
“The criminal was injured and died at the scene. Military police were unharmed.”
The attack was broadcast live on Brazilian television.
An investigation ihas been launched to rule out the possibility that brave Francisco was killed by a stray police bullet.