Explosives Found On Attacker After Suicide Blasts At Brazil’s Supreme Court
A man detonated explosives and died by suicide on Wednesday while attempting to enter Brazil’s Supreme Court in Brasilia, leading to the evacuation of court staff and legislators from the country’s political center. Authorities later found explosives and a timer on the suspect’s body and are evaluating any potential threat from additional devices, according to military police spokesperson Major Raphael van der Broocke.
Security forces secured the Three Powers Plaza, which houses all three branches of government, after two explosions occurred. Vice-Governor of the Federal District, Celina Leão, reported the first blast took place at 7:30 p.m. local time, originating from a car parked near Annex 4 of Congress. The suspect then attempted to enter the Supreme Court building, setting off a second explosion at its entrance. There were no other casualties.
Authorities are treating the incident as a suicide attack and currently believe the suspect acted alone. Police discovered a backpack that may contain additional explosives and found further devices near a traffic cone in the area.
Attorney General Jorge Messias condemned the attack and pledged a rigorous investigation. “I strongly condemn the attacks against the Supreme Federal Court and the House of Representatives,” he said, affirming the federal police’s commitment to restore security in the area.
This incident comes as Brazil prepares to host global leaders for the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro and ahead of a state visit to Brasilia by Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 20, followed by U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to the Amazon rainforest.
Government sources report the suspect was from southern Brazil and had previously run for local office under the right-wing party of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The Three Powers Plaza was previously the site of the January 8, 2023, riots, when Bolsonaro supporters stormed government offices. Authorities have yet to confirm the suspect’s identity publicly, pending examination.
Growing public discontent with the Supreme Court has fueled political tensions, as the court has assumed an expanded role in handling cases of political extremism, disinformation, and threats to democratic stability.
