One Dead After Explosions at Brazil's Supreme Court

Explosion at Brazil's Supreme Court

Brazil's Supreme Court was evacuated on Wednesday evening after two explosions were reported outside the building, resulting in the death of a man.

The blasts occurred in the heart of Brasília, close to the Supreme Court, parliament, and the presidential palace. According to Brasília's Deputy Governor Celina Leão, the explosions took place after a man attempted to enter the court but was stopped by security. Police later confirmed the discovery of a body outside the building, though they have yet to provide additional details.

Jorge Messias, Brazil's Solicitor General, condemned what he described as a deliberate attack, pledging a thorough investigation into the incident. "I strongly condemn the attacks against the Supreme Court and the lower house," he stated on social media, adding, "We must understand the motive behind these attacks and restore peace and safety as quickly as possible."

Images from the scene showed the deceased man outside the court, with police cordoning off the area. A police spokesperson confirmed the presence of the body but offered no further comment.

Deputy Governor Recommends Parliament Closure Amid Investigation

Deputy Governor Leão advised that parliament remain closed on Thursday while investigations proceed, speculating that the attack might have been a "lone wolf" incident, similar to others seen globally. She noted that officials are considering it a possible suicide, as there was only one victim, but emphasized that the investigation will confirm this.

Earlier, the Supreme Court reported that it had evacuated the building as a precaution after the explosions. Justices had just concluded a plenary session and were safely evacuated.

The court is located in the Plaza de los Tres Poderes, near the presidential palace. Reports indicated that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had departed from the area shortly before the blasts.

This incident occurs just a week before an expected visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is scheduled to meet with President Lula following a G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The Plaza de los Tres Poderes was the site of a major incident last year when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings, protesting his electoral defeat to President Lula.