Federal police in Brazil have launched an investigation following a series of explosions near the Supreme Court in Brasilia that resulted in one fatality.
The blasts occurred on Wednesday, just as the court’s session concluded, prompting a swift evacuation of the building. The explosions have raised concerns over security, especially with the G20 conference set to take place in Rio de Janeiro later this month.
The two explosions were heard near the Three Powers Plaza, a political hub that houses not only the Supreme Court but also the Presidential Palace and Congress.
According to reports, one of the blasts occurred near a parked car, and witnesses described seeing smoke emerging from the trunk before a second explosion followed shortly after.
Emergency responders, including Brazil’s Tactical Operations Command, the Rapid Intervention Group, and the Bomb Control Group, were deployed to the scene immediately. They secured the area and initiated a thorough assessment of the situation.
The federal police have confirmed that initial security measures were implemented, and the area is being analyzed for further threats.
The Supreme Court issued a statement confirming that two loud bangs were heard, after which court staff and ministers were evacuated.
In a precautionary measure, the building was cleared of personnel, and no further injuries have been reported. The court reassured the public that all officials had been safely escorted out of the premises.
The blast’s impact has been particularly concerning, as it occurred at a critical political location. Celina Leao, the vice-governor of the Federal District, shared that at least one explosion occurred when an unidentified individual approached the Supreme Court’s entrance.
Authorities later identified this person as the individual who died in the incident. Further details about the motive behind the bombing remain unclear, as the investigation is still ongoing.
Brazilian authorities have been in communication about the explosions, with Supreme Court President Luis Roberto Barroso reaching out to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other senior officials to discuss the event.
The investigation is expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the blasts in the coming days.
In the wake of the attack, local authorities confirmed that the Supreme Court building would undergo an intensive security sweep early the next morning.
Office hours were suspended until noon, and a reassessment of security protocols is set to take place once more information about the blasts becomes available.
Security concerns have heightened, particularly with the G20 summit scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro later this month.
Brazil’s authorities are now focusing on bolstering safety measures and ensuring that any security gaps in high-profile areas, such as the Three Powers Plaza, are addressed promptly.
As of now, the cause of the explosions remains under investigation, and police are working diligently to uncover any links between this incident and potential broader security threats facing the country. Authorities are expected to provide more updates as they continue to examine evidence from the scene.