A man detonated explosives outside Brazil’s Supreme Court on Wednesday evening, resulting in his death and raising serious security concerns just days before the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The incident occurred five days prior to the G20 leaders’ meeting, which will be followed by a state visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Brasilia. The first explosion happened in a parking lot near the court, with a second blast occurring moments later at the entrance, where the man’s body was discovered.

Federal District Vice Governor Celina Leao indicated that preliminary reports suggest the man used explosives on himself after attempting to enter the Supreme Court. Authorities noted that he owned a nearby vehicle, which also exploded, blowing open its trunk.

Leao expressed hope that the incident was the act of a “lone wolf,” although she could not confirm this. Police have yet to identify the deceased due to concerns about potential additional explosives on his body.

The explosions took place near the Plaza of the Three Powers, a significant square in Brasilia that connects key government buildings. This area was previously the site of riots on January 8, 2023, when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro attacked government properties to protest his electoral defeat.

Read more

Brazil block on X comes into effect after judge’s order

Brazil police wrest back seat of power from pro-Bolsonaro rioters

Lula takes office for third term as Brazil president

In response to the blasts, police deployed a bomb squad and an explosive disposal robot to the scene. Fortunately, the Supreme Court justices were evacuated safely after concluding a plenary session shortly before the explosions. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had also left the executive palace shortly before the events unfolded.