Man Dies in Explosion Trying to Attack Brazil’s Supreme Court
A man who attempted to attack the Supreme Court in Brasília on Wednesday evening is believed to have died from his own explosives.
Authorities found his body outside the building shortly after two explosions rocked the area. Witnesses reported seeing the man throw what appeared to be explosives before the blasts occurred, but no one else was injured.
The scene has been secured, and a bomb disposal robot is examining the man’s body. Police have identified a timer that may be connected to additional explosives found nearby.
“We need to proceed with caution during this search, and if necessary, we will detonate these explosives on-site to prevent any further danger,” said police spokesman Maj. Raphael van der Broocke.
Jorge Messias, Brazil’s solicitor general, condemned the incident as a deliberate attack and vowed a thorough investigation. “I strongly condemn the attacks against the Supreme Court and the lower house,” he stated. “We must understand the motivation behind these attacks to restore peace and safety quickly.”
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene. One woman recounted seeing the man wave at her before throwing explosives at the court building.
“When the security guards approached, he threw something again, and that’s when it exploded,” she said.
In response to the incident, the Supreme Court evacuated its building as a precautionary measure. The justices had just concluded a plenary session and were unharmed.
The explosions occurred just a week before Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Brazil, following a G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Last year, the same plaza was the site of significant unrest when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings in an effort to overturn his electoral defeat.
-BBC
