Explosives and Timer Discovered on Suspect’s Body Following Attack on Brazil’s Supreme Court-urgent360

A man detonated explosives, killing himself, after attempting to enter Brazil’s Supreme Court, authorities reported Wednesday. The incident targeted Brazil's political hub, prompting the evacuation of court personnel and lawmakers in Brasilia.

 

Police found additional explosives and a timer on the man’s body. According to a military police spokesperson, authorities are using X-ray assessments to determine if more explosives are present on his belt. “If explosives are detected, we will assess whether to disarm the belt or take other measures to neutralize any further threats,” stated Major Raphael van der Broocke.

 

Following two explosions, police cordoned off the Three Powers Plaza, which houses Brazil's executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and launched an investigation. The initial explosion occurred at 7:30 p.m. local time in a car near Congress, as reported by Federal District Vice-Governor Celina Leão. Shortly after, a second explosion detonated outside the Supreme Court when the attacker failed to gain entry. No other injuries were reported.

 

Leão indicated that the investigation is treating the incident as a suicide attack, with no other suspects identified. One line of inquiry suggests the attacker acted alone. A vehicle found at the scene was registered to the presumed attacker, and police also discovered a nearby backpack and additional explosives, suggesting a premeditated assault.

 

This incident unfolds days before Brazil’s scheduled hosting of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden, are expected to meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

 

Attorney General Jorge Messias condemned the attack, pledging a thorough investigation. “I strongly denounce these attacks on the Supreme Federal Court and Congress and extend my solidarity to the officials affected,” he said, emphasizing the urgency to uncover the motives behind the assault and restore order.

 

Reports from Agencia Brasil and CNN Brasil suggest the attacker was a southern Brazilian with past ties to former President Jair Bolsonaro's right-wing political party. Authorities have not publicly confirmed his identity pending further examination.

 

The Three Powers Plaza has been a focal point for political unrest, notably during the January 8, 2023, attack when Bolsonaro supporters stormed key government buildings. The Supreme Court has since extended its role in cases of political extremism and threats to democratic stability, facing both support and criticism for its oversight.