Brazilian authorities are on high alert after a man detonated two explosive devices outside the Supreme Court in Brasilia on Wednesday evening, killing himself and heightening security concerns just days before the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro and a planned state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to Vice Governor Celina Leao, preliminary investigations suggest the man intended to enter the Supreme Court before killing himself with the explosives. Leao stated that the incident appeared to be an isolated “lone wolf” attack, though authorities have not confirmed this theory.
A nearby car owned by the man reportedly exploded, blowing open its trunk and adding to the tension at the Plaza of the Three Powers, where Brazil’s main government buildings converge.
This same area was the site of rioting on January 8 last year, when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government offices to protest his election loss.
The explosions occurred shortly after Supreme Court justices had concluded a plenary session and safely evacuated.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had also left the executive palace just before the incident, avoiding the potential danger.
Bomb squads, including an explosive disposal robot, were swiftly deployed to assess the area for any further threats.
While no further explosive devices have been confirmed, the timing and location of the blasts have stirred intense concern as global leaders prepare to gather in Brazil next week.
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