Brazil: Explosion and suicide attempt outside the Supreme Court spark chaos and investigation

A man who tried to enter the Supreme Court building in Brazil detonated two explosions before killing himself outside the building.

In a shocking incident that sent shockwaves through Brazil’s capital, a man who tried to enter the Supreme Court building in Brasilia detonated two explosions before killing himself outside the building on Wednesday evening. The explosions, which occurred around 7:30 PM after the Court’s hearing ended, forced judges and staff to evacuate the building, although they were all confirmed to be safe. Authorities are now investigating the incident to determine details about the suspect, his motives and the wider security implications.

Suspect detonates explosives in Supreme Court area

The two explosions rocked Three Powers Plaza, a center of Brazil’s political landscape, home to the Supreme Court, Congress and the presidential palace. Local fire officials confirmed one man died at the scene but did not reveal his identity. According to Celina Leão, the lieutenant governor of Brazil’s federal district, the suspect first detonated explosives in a vehicle parked near Congress. Fortunately, the initial explosion caused no injuries, although a safety alarm immediately sounded.

Describing the sequence of events, Leão explained: “His first action was to explode the car. He then approached the High Court and tried to enter the building. He failed, and then there were the other explosions.” The suspect’s attempt to enter the Supreme Court building was unsuccessful, but the subsequent explosions prompted authorities to increase security throughout the area.

Link to the former president’s party?

Brazilian media sources reported that the car used in the first explosion belongs to a member of the Liberal Party, the same political party as former President Jair Bolsonaro. However, Leão indicated that only further investigation would confirm whether the vehicle’s owner was the man killed in the explosions.

In response to the incident, Leão proposed that Congress temporarily close its doors to ensure safety, a recommendation that the Brazilian Senate immediately implemented. The House of Commons also followed her advice and closed until noon the next day. “It could have been a lone wolf, like other wolves we’ve seen around the world,” Leão said. “We are considering it a suicide because there was only one victim, but investigations will determine whether that was indeed the case.”

Forensic analysis to confirm identity

The aftermath of the explosions left the suspect’s body outside the Supreme Court for several hours. Authorities stated that forensic teams would be responsible for confirming the identity of the deceased. Leão clarified that only forensic analysis could provide definitive information about the suspect, who reportedly acted alone.

In quick response to the explosions, security forces blocked all access to the Supreme Court and surrounding buildings, while the Presidential Security Office conducted a thorough search of the grounds near the presidential palace. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was not at the presidential palace at the time of the incident, reportedly met at his official residence with Federal Police Chief Andrei Rodrigues and Supreme Court justices Alexandre de Moraes and Cristiano Zanin.

A recent wave of threats against Brazil’s Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has recently been the target of threats, especially from far-right factions and supporters of former President Bolsonaro, who have strongly opposed the Court’s efforts to curb disinformation. Judge Alexandre de Moraes in particular has been at the center of this criticism for his proactive stance in combating the spread of false information.

As the investigation continues, Brazil’s federal police have not yet released an official motive, although the incident has underscored growing tension between political factions in the country. Leão confirmed that all relevant security agencies are working together to investigate evidence at the scene and clarify the motivations behind the attack.