A man detonated explosives outside Brazil’s Supreme Court on Wednesday, just days before the country hosts the G20 summit. The incident has heightened security concerns as global leaders prepare to gather in Rio de Janeiro.
The first of two explosions occurred in a car park near the court, followed by a second blast at the building’s entrance. The man’s body was found at the scene, suggesting he may have died in the explosion.
Federal District Vice Governor Celina Leao said initial investigations indicate the man attempted to enter the court before detonating the explosives. She expressed hope that the incident was the act of a lone individual, but cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions.
Police are yet to formally identify the deceased and are proceeding cautiously due to the potential presence of additional explosives.
The blasts took place near the Plaza of the Three Powers, a significant square in Brasilia that connects the country’s legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This area was the site of riots last January, when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings.
Supreme Court justices, who had just concluded a plenary session, were swiftly evacuated. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had left the presidential palace shortly before the incident.
