A man detonated explosives outside Brazil’s Supreme Court on Wednesday evening, officials reported, raising security concerns just days before global leaders arrive for the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. The incident, which authorities suggest was a suicide, also precedes a state visit to Brasília by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The first of two explosions occurred in a nearby parking lot, followed moments later by a second blast directly in front of the court building, where the man’s body was found. Preliminary investigations indicated he had attempted to enter the Supreme Court building before setting off the explosives. Authorities linked the explosions to a vehicle owned by the man, in which another blast had reportedly blown open the trunk.
Federal District Vice-Governor Celina Leão stated that early findings point to a “lone wolf” attack, though she emphasized that this is still unconfirmed. “We are considering it as a suicide because there was only one victim. But investigations will show if that was indeed the case,” she added. Police have yet to identify the man and are proceeding cautiously due to possible remaining explosives on the body.
The blasts took place in Brasília’s Plaza of the Three Powers, a prominent square that houses Brazil’s key government buildings, including the Supreme Court, Congress, and presidential office. This area was the site of riots in January of last year when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed these buildings to contest his electoral defeat.
In response to the explosions, police deployed a bomb squad and utilized an explosive disposal robot to secure the area. The Supreme Court confirmed that its justices had completed their session and were safely evacuated. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had also left the executive palace shortly before the incident.
This security breach heightens concerns as Brazil prepares to welcome international leaders to the G20 summit, drawing attention to potential risks in the heart of the Brazilian capital.
