Joaquim Jos� da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes (August 16, 1746–-April 21, 1792), was a leading member of the Brazilian revolutionary movement known as the Inconfid�ncia Mineira whose aim was full independence from the Portuguese (Portugal) colonial power and to create a Brazilian republic. When the plan was discovered, Tiradentes was arrested, tried and publicly hanged. Since the 19th century he has been considered a national hero of Brazil and patron of the Pol�cia Militar de Minas Gerais (PMMG) (Minas Gerais Military Police).