Man Killed In Failed Attack On Brazil’s Supreme Court.
A man attempting to target Brazil’s Supreme Court in Brasilia was killed on Wednesday evening, apparently by his own explosives. Witnesses reported seeing him throw devices near the court building before two explosions shook the area. No other injuries were reported.
The incident prompted a security lockdown, with police deploying a bomb disposal robot to investigate the man’s body. A timer, believed to be connected to additional explosive devices, was found, according to police spokesperson Major Raphael van der Broocke. “Other explosives have already been identified around the body,” he stated. “Our team is being cautious, and we may detonate the explosives at the site to prevent further risks.”
Brazil’s solicitor general, Jorge Messias, condemned the attack in a statement, calling for a thorough investigation to restore peace and ensure the safety of the area. “We must understand the motivation behind the attacks and re-establish safety as fast as possible,” Messias stated.
Images from the scene show the man’s body lying near the Supreme Court entrance, with police cordoning off the surrounding area. The court, located in the symbolic Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza), is close to the presidential offices. Local media reported that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had departed the area shortly before the blasts.
Brasilia’s Deputy Governor Celina Leao suggested that parliament remain closed on Thursday to allow for continued investigation. “It could have been a lone wolf attack, like those we’ve seen globally,” she said. “We are considering it as a possible suicide, but investigations will confirm this.”
Eyewitness Lavana Costa described her encounter with the attacker, stating that he waved at her before throwing explosives. “I was at the bus stop, and he waved without speaking,” she told TV Globo. “Then there was a loud noise, followed by fire and smoke.”
The incident has heightened security concerns just a week before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Brasilia, following his attendance at a G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. This event also recalls the unrest at Praça dos Três Poderes last year, when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings following his electoral defeat by President Lula.
The Supreme Court confirmed that justices were safely evacuated following the incident, which occurred after they concluded a plenary session.
