RIO DE JANEIRO, April 9 (Reuters) - Brazil needs to send in federal troops to help contain the burgeoning crime rate in Rio de Janiero, the state governor said on Monday.

Rio de Janeiro state Gov. Sergio Cabral said he will ask President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday for armed forces as well as an increase in the National Public Security Force of elite police sent to Rio de Janeiro in January.

Cabral spoke to reporters after the mourning ceremony for his family's security guard, killed in an attack on Sunday night.

"I think that the armed forces could fulfill a more effective role in supporting the military police throughout Brazil," Cabral said.

Cabral said that there were 6,000 navy marines who could assist the police, according to the state government Web site.

Rio, a popular tourist destination which will host the Pan American Games in July, has one of the highest murder rates in Latin America.

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