By A man detonated explosives and killed himself outside Brazil’s Supreme Court Wednesday after attempting to enter the building, raising security concerns just days before the country hosts world leaders at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.
The incident, which involved multiple explosions, occurred less than a week before heads of state from the world’s major economies gather in Rio, followed by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned state visit to the capital.
Federal District Vice Governor Celina Leao said preliminary evidence indicates the suspect triggered explosives after failing to gain entry to the Supreme Court. A second explosion rocked a nearby car owned by the suspect, blowing open its trunk.
“We hope this is the act of a lone wolf,” Leao said, though she emphasized investigators couldn’t yet confirm this theory. Police have delayed identifying the deceased, citing concerns about potential additional explosives on the body.
The first blast erupted in a parking area near the court building Wednesday evening, followed seconds later by a second explosion directly in front of the court, where authorities discovered the suspect’s remains.
The explosions centered around the Plaza of the Three Powers, a symbolic square housing Brazil’s three federal government branches. The location carries particular significance as the site of the January 8, 2023, riots when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings to protest his election loss.
Law enforcement deployed bomb squad units equipped with explosive disposal robots to the square, Brazil’s seat of federal power, to investigate the incident. Officials confirmed the Supreme Court justices had just concluded their plenary session when the explosions occurred and were safely evacuated.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had departed the nearby executive palace shortly before the blasts, according to officials.
The timing of the incident has heightened security concerns as Brazil prepares to host the G20 summit, one of the world’s premier forums for international economic cooperation. The explosions also cast a shadow over the upcoming state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled to follow the G20 gathering.
The incident marks a significant security challenge for Brazilian authorities as they prepare to welcome global leaders, raising questions about security measures in place for the high-profile international events ahead.
Brazilian security forces have intensified their presence around government buildings and key infrastructure in response to the incident, while investigators work to determine the suspect’s identity and potential motives.
