First responders greet Rio visitors with 'Welcome to Hell' sign
With just over a month until the Olympics begin in Rio de Janeiro, a group of Brazilian first responders greeted visitors at the city's main airport Monday with a banner that reads "Welcome to Hell."
Seen at the airport in Rio today: First responders welcome toutists. A sign of what's to come during the Olympics? pic.twitter.com/mCOYB3deuo
— Michael Smith (@SmithMarkets) June 27, 2016
The banner further warned visitors that police and firefighters don't get paid, and people who go to Rio won't be safe.
It wasn't just in the airport that the protests were happening; a roadway on the route leaving the airport features a bridge with the words: "Welcome, we don't have hospitals!"
Welcome, we don't have hospitals! - “Aviso” na estrada do Galeão. (Foto: Tiago Bla) pic.twitter.com/NfnrEukkuT
— Cecília Olliveira (@Cecillia) June 26, 2016
The upcoming Olympics have been rife with controversy and drama: There are concerns over the Zika virus, pollution in the local bay, and the city's ability to handle crime.
The airport protest comes after the state government of Rio declared the area is in "a state of calamity," which could bring about a "total collapse in public security, health, education, transport, and environmental management."
The incident occurred shortly after the city's largest hospital was stormed by more than 20 gunmen, leaving one person dead and two injured.
Fortunately for those attending the Olympic Games, an international force is working with local authorities on security measures.
- With h/t Yahoo Sports