Explosions at Brazil’s Supreme Court Spark Security Concerns Ahead of High-Stakes G20 Summit
A man carrying explosives died on Wednesday while trying to force his way into Brazil’s Supreme Court in Brasilia, only days before the G20 summit is set to convene in Rio de Janeiro. The incident began with a blast from a car outside the court, followed shortly by a second explosion as the man attempted to breach the court building. Authorities believe the blast was a suicide, although the man has yet to be identified.
Two Explosions Shake Supreme Court as Security Tightens Ahead of G20
Brazilian officials have confirmed that the man died instantly in the second blast at the court’s entrance, where his body remained surrounded by suspicious objects that prevented an immediate identification, according to Brasilia Governor Celina Leao. No injuries to others were reported, she added.
The first explosion erupted from a parked car near the Supreme Court around 7:30 pm (2230 GMT), followed by the second as the man approached the court entrance.
Supreme Court Justices Evacuated as Incident Heightens Security Concerns
Supreme Court judges were safely evacuated after the two loud explosions sounded during Wednesday’s session. The court is located in Praca dos Tres Poderes, an area that also houses the presidential palace and Congress. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was reportedly not at the palace during the incident.
As rain poured down, authorities sealed off the area, deploying a large police force to secure the plaza. Federal police have launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances and possible motives behind the attack.
Heightened Security for Brazil’s G20 Summit and State Visits
The incident has intensified security preparations for next week’s G20 summit, which is expected to bring world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, to Rio de Janeiro. Following the summit, President Xi is scheduled for a state visit to Brasilia, further boosting security measures across the capital.
Remembering the January 8 Insurrection
The Supreme Court attack follows a turbulent history for Praca dos Tres Poderes. On January 8, 2023, supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Brazil’s government buildings, prompting a significant security overhaul around the presidential palace, Congress, and the Supreme Court.
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