1 dead, Supreme Court evacuated as explosions rattle Brazilian capital
Brazil’s Supreme Court faced a terrifying situation on Wednesday night as two explosions rocked a square near Congress and the presidential palace, leading to the evacuation of the court. The incident, which left one person dead, raised security concerns just days before the country was set to host the G20 summit.
The first explosion occurred in a parking lot near the Supreme Court building. Thankfully, the justices had just finished a plenary session and were able to evacuate safely. Federal police quickly deployed a bomb squad to the square in the heart of Brasília to investigate the blasts, with the country’s solicitor general describing the explosions as an “attack.”
The explosions came just five days before global leaders from the Group of 20 major economies were scheduled to meet in Rio de Janeiro, followed by a state visit to Brasília by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The timing of the incident added to the already heightened security concerns surrounding the upcoming summits.
The square where the explosions occurred, known as the Plaza of the Three Powers, is an iconic location in Brasília that connects the main buildings of Brazil’s three branches of federal government. It has been the site of political unrest in the past, including riots in January of the previous year when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed the buildings to protest his electoral defeat.
As authorities investigated the scene, a police officer revealed that the deceased individual found in the square was carrying an explosive device. This prompted careful inspection of the body to ensure there was no further threat of explosions.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had fortunately left the executive palace shortly before the explosions occurred. The incident served as a stark reminder of the security challenges faced by government institutions, especially with high-profile events on the horizon.
The Supreme Court’s evacuation and the subsequent investigation into the explosions highlighted the need for robust security measures, particularly in the lead-up to major international summits. As the country prepared to welcome world leaders for the G20 summit, the incident underscored the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring the safety of all participants and attendees.
The unsettling events of that evening served as a reminder of the fragility of security in today’s world and the constant threats faced by government institutions. As authorities worked to unravel the circumstances surrounding the explosions, the incident cast a shadow over the upcoming gatherings of global leaders in Brazil.
